Resources for Small Business

As a member of the House Small Business Committee, Congressman Moulton is dedicated to ensuring that residents of the Sixth District have the tools they need to start and grow their businesses. The resources on this page help them do so. Please call our District Office with any further questions you may have.

Local District Resources

Phone: 978-922-9441

Website: http://sbdc.salemstate.edu/

Phone: 617-536-0700

Current Small Business Administration (SBA) Initiatives

• SBA Resource Guide
• Massachusetts District Office Webpage
• November is National Veterans Month
  • SBA Administrator and Member of President Obama's Cabinet, Maria Contreras-Sweet will be in Boston for an event at Constant Contact (Boots 2 Business Reboot) to kick-off National Veterans Week/Month.
• There is a 2016 InnovateHER Challenge Competition currently underway – in March (Women’s History Month) there will be a finals competition where top 3 will compete for cash prizes totaling $70,000 provided by Microsoft. A local kick-off event for the regional competition is slated for October 21 at the Microsoft store in Natick.
• Three Accelerators in Massachusetts received a $50,000 grant from SBA for the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition
  • Somerville-based Greentown Labs
  • Boston-based InciteHealth
  • Fraunhofer TechBridge
• City of Boston was awarded $50,000 for the Startup in a Day Initiative
• SBA recently announced the awarding of a $500,000 grant (State Trade and Export Promotion) to the State of Massachusetts, Office of International Trade and Investment to help businesses export overseas

10 Steps to Starting a Small Business

Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions and completing a series of legal activities. These 10 easy steps from the SBA can help you plan, prepare and manage your business. Click on the links to learn more.

Step 1: Write a Business Plan

Use these tools and resources to create a business plan. This written guide will help you map out how you will start and run your business successfully.

Step 2: Get Business Assistance and Training

Take advantage of free training and counseling services, from preparing a business plan and securing financing, to expanding or relocating a business.

Step 3: Choose a Business Location

Get advice on how to select a customer-friendly location and comply with zoning laws.

Step 4: Finance Your Business

Find government backed loans, venture capital and research grants to help you get started.

Step 5: Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business

Decide which form of ownership is best for you: sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, S corporation, nonprofit or cooperative.

Step 6: Register a Business Name ("Doing Business As")

Register your business name with your state government.

Step 7: Get a Tax Identification Number

Learn which tax identification number you'll need to obtain from the IRS and your state revenue agency.

Step 8: Register for State and Local Taxes

Register with your state to obtain a tax identification number, workers' compensation, unemployment and disability insurance.

Step 9: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits

Get a list of federal, state and local licenses and permits required for your business.

Step 10: Understand Employer Responsibilities

Learn the legal steps you need to take to hire employees.