Women's Business Resources in Massachusetts
Last Updated: By TRUiC Team
Starting a business can be challenging, but you don't have to go through it alone. There are a number of local resources in Massachusetts dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs start and succeed in business. We researched and vetted entrepreneurial resources available in your area and compiled our recommended list. Continue reading to discover the right one for you.
You can also read our guide on how to start a business in Massachusetts.
Resources in Your Area
CWE Eastern Massachusetts – Women Business Center
About:
CWE of Eastern Massachusetts strives to create opportunities through training and direct support for women entrepreneurs. By offering careful financial planning, professional training, and even personal growth modeling, the Center for Women Enterprise creates success stories for countless women in business.
Who it's right for:
Women entrepreneurs, both new and established, will find programs which support professional and personal growth and provide expert guidance.
CWE Central Massachusetts - Women Business Center
About:
By giving new and experienced women entrepreneurs the tools, guidance, and support to thrive, the Center for Women Entrepreneurs helps to strengthen the economic ecosystem of Massachusetts and beyond. CWE has been instrumental in supporting women in small business for over 20 years, helping countless entrepreneurs realize their dreams.
Who it's right for:
Women in small business who wish to hone their skills, and fully develop their visions. Entrepreneurs in all stages can benefit from CWE’s programs.
Massachusetts Women’s Forum (MWF)
About:
Massachusetts Women’s Forum works to connect and support women professionals across the spectrum. From education and nonprofits, to business and government, MWF is a powerful networking tool for so many. Professional enrichment is at the core of their mission.
Who it's right for:
Women professionals of all walks of life will find camaraderie and connectivity through MWF’s events and programs. Membership allows for leverage and fluidity across industries.
Boston Business Women
About:
Representing amazing diversity and talent in entrepreneurial women throughout the Boston area, this organization cultivates professional growth through education and networking. Boston Business Women knows that support and community can promote great change and progress.
Who it's right for:
All women entrepreneurs and business owners are invited to become members and attend events and seminars. Members are able to develop both professionally and personally within this group.
WomensNet - Massachusetts
About:
WomensNet is a national organization dedicated to creating professional possibilities through grant money. The Amber Grant Foundation, which has been active for over 20 years, has been creating opportunities for women in business for almost as long.
Who it's right for:
Women entrepreneurs looking to get a start-up off the ground, or to expand an existing business, can consider applying for an Amber Grant. Application rules and regulations can be found on the website.
Location:
300 State Street, Suite 405
Rochester , NY 14614
Contact Information:
North Shore Women in Business (NSWIB)
About:
For over 35 years, NSWIB has striven to provide professional and personal opportunities for growth through seminars and workshops, continuing education, and networking. Attend monthly meetings, as well as special events, or make connections with other members.
Who it's right for:
Highly motivated women in business will find like-minded professionals through membership. Opportunities for success often emanate from others’ input and advice.
Women’s Business Network (WBN)
About:
Connecting women business professionals on a personal level is the goal of the Women’s Business Network. Grow your business and personal networks to empower your life completely. Find inspiration from others and share your own stories of struggle, success, and triumph.
Who it's right for:
Entrepreneurs throughout the state, especially for Southeastern Massachusetts, will be able to garner information about creating and maintaining successful businesses through member interaction and networking.
Contact Information:
Supplier Diversity Office
About:
Companies based in Massachusetts, wishing to obtain OSD’s diversity certification, will need to attend a mandatory, pre-certification workshop. The workshop is approximately two hours and allows applicants to become familiar with State certification procedures and FAQs.
Who it's right for:
Businesses in Massachusetts looking to become diversity certified can apply after attending the two-hour workshop.
Location:
One Ashburton Place, Room 1017
Boston, MA 2108
Contact Information:
(617) 502-8831
Women Entrepreneurs Boston (WE BOS)
About:
WE BOS is a group dedicated to improving the business acumen for all of their members. By creating a community of professional women who actively promote and support each other, Women Entrepreneurs Boston has been able to help entrepreneurial dreams become realities.
Who it's right for:
Women in small business throughout Boston can benefit from programs and seminars, a well as connectivity with local and state business organizations. Get connected and develop your professional network.
The Commonwealth Institute
About:
The Commonwealth Institute looks to empower businesswomen in various leadership positions. Through training, networking, and overall support, this non-profit organization helps professional women succeed. Membership offers numerous opportunities for established and rising industry leaders to shine.
Who it's right for:
Businesswomen and professionals who desire to improve their industry standings are great candidates for membership. Peruse the website for more information.
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC)
About:
MGCC offers small business owners and entrepreneurs financial opportunities for upward mobility. Through microloans, financial planning and assistance, and other business-friendly programs, small businesses often to gain the traction needed to excel.
Who it's right for:
Small businesses looking for manageable loans or financial planning should inquire about MGCC’s available programs.
Location:
529 Main Street, Suite 201
Charlestown, MA 2129
Contact Information:
(617) 523-6262
Cambridge Business Diversity Directory
About:
In order to highlight diversity in business, the Cambridge Community Development Department offers the Business Diversity Directory as a consolidated listing of businesses owned and run by women and minorities of Massachusetts’s community. Obtaining a listing in the directory is free, as long as the eligibility requirements are met.
Who it's right for:
Minority owned and operated businesses can benefit from inclusion on this specific list. The City of Cambridge seeks to promote diversity and equal opportunities through such listings.
Location:
344 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 2139
Contact Information:
(617) 349-4606
Wonder Women of Boston
About:
Wonder Women of Boston seeks to promote female leaders across a wide variety of industries and organizations. Business professionals and community leaders are able to interact and create engaging relationships. Representing the best Boston has to offer is central to WWoB’s appeal and strength.
Who it's right for:
Established leaders and those just starting out can find common ground among the ranks of Wonder Women of Boston. Members establish connections, and forge strong bonds for an all-around win.
Contact Information:
Innovation Women
About:
Innovation Women puts industry professionals in speaking and teaching roles. Through connecting with others and recognizing individual strengths, members grow both personally and professionally. Together, a highly adaptive and supportive learning team is organically cultivated.
Who it's right for:
Women professionals wishing to share their triumphs and trials for the betterment of a community. Individuals interested in public speaking as presenters or attendees/participants are encouraged to visit the website to connect.
Location:
1050 Waltham Street, #320
Lexington, MA 2421
Contact Information:
(781) 281-8387
Women Innovators and Trailblazers (WIT)
About:
Does igniting a women-led economy sound like your cup of tea? WIT is looking to encourage just that type of action. By developing a community of professionals and innovators, women are able to leverage their business power.
Who it's right for:
Women entrepreneurs and innovators looking to make bold moves in the business world are exactly the forces WIT wants to encourage and support. Creative and visionary individuals seeking to connect and build will find like-minded partners through the members of WIT.
Contact Information:
Ellevate Network - Boston
About:
Connecting inspired and innovative women professionals is the goal Ellevate Network. Representing many of Boston’s smartest and savviest entrepreneurs, Ellevate offers the opportunity to meet and build with others in the community and city.
Who it's right for:
Women professionals around Boston can find camaraderie by joining Ellevate Network. Connect with like-minded individuals and develop personal and professional bonds.
Contact Information:
Small Business Administration (SBA) Massachusetts District Office
About:
Massachusetts’s Small Business Administration helps to promote and support small businesses throughout the state. Browse listings of resources, upcoming events, or city and state rules and regulations. Financial services are also available to qualified small businesses.
Who it's right for:
Businesses of all stature can use the District Office website to interact with others, answer specific questions, or stay aware of community business happenings.
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network
About:
For nearly 40 years, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network has worked to support and inform small business owners and operators. The success of the small business community directly impacts the economic health of the entire business ecosystem. Developing healthy and long-lasting businesses is good for everyone.
Who it's right for:
Small business owners can gain valuable insight and assistance from the network. Tap into local programs or connect to nationally-linked organizations, in order to build strong organizational foundations and opportunities.
Massachusetts SCORE
About:
By connecting young entrepreneurs with active or retired business experts in mentor roles, the apprentices gain invaluable information to help jump-start their business careers. Additionally, an extensive network of business professionals, spanning multiple generations throughout Massachusetts, is enhanced.
Who it's right for:
Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry experts can give and receive from SCORE. Use their vast network of resources to empower your business, or partner with and donate your time and money to helping others succeed.
MassVentures
About:
MassVentures looks to support highly innovative and growth-ready start-ups. Businesses with great potential often need advocates to achieve success. MassVentures can be just that kind of positive force.
Who it's right for:
MassVentures seeks to back business ideas looking to the future for inspiration. Cutting-edge products, designs, and business plans are able to receive the financial support they need with the assistance of MassVentures.
Location:
308 Congress Street, 5th floor
Boston, MA 2210
Contact Information:
(617) 723-4920
Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll)
About:
EforAll wants to empower start-ups and business professionals in order to build the industry leaders of tomorrow. By offering education, support, and entrepreneurial guidance, EforAll builds opportunities for the deserving, regardless of their current standings or backgrounds.
Who it's right for:
Entrepreneurs looking to jump-start their businesses should apply for this program. There are also opportunities for experienced professionals to take on mentorship roles.
