Business Resources For New and Existing Wakefield Businesses

The vibrant and thriving business community in Wakefield is supported not only by the community as a whole but also by numerous organizations at the local, state, and federal levels that provide comprehensive tools for every stage of development, from businesses just getting started to existing businesses seeking to grow.

Let’s explore the many local, state, and federal resources available to Wakefield businesses as they aim to achieve their short- and long-term goals.

Local Community Resources

Make It Wakefield site

One of the newest resources for new or existing Wakefield businesses seeking local support and exploring resources is our very own Make It Wakefield site.

The Make It Wakefield platform is designed to promote economic development and community engagement within Wakefield, Massachusetts. Users can navigate a detailed directory of local businesses, discover upcoming community events via an interactive calendar, and access information on town-led initiatives to revitalize the downtown area. Additionally, the website provides specific resources for entrepreneurs and investors looking to “make it” in Wakefield, including guidance on commercial real estate, permitting processes, and business support services, all presented through a modern interface that showcases the town as a vibrant place to live, work, and grow.

The Wakefield Area Chamber of Commerce

467 Main Street, Wakefield

The Wakefield Area Chamber of Commerce serves as a strategic hub for growth and networking, increasing local business visibility and community engagement. It offers members a professional platform featuring a searchable business directory, job boards, and exclusive marketing opportunities, including member-to-member discounts and corporate sponsorships.

Beyond digital networking exposure, the site facilitates vital professional connections through a calendar of networking events and advocacy services, providing businesses with a collective voice and a structured support system to navigate the local commercial landscape.

In addition to its ongoing networking and advocacy efforts, the Wakefield Area Chamber of Commerce partners with the Town of Wakefield to host the Wakefield Business Speaker Series, a monthly program that connects local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members with experts and practical resources to help their businesses grow and succeed. The series features industry professionals and local leaders who share insights on topics such as energy efficiency, marketing, workforce development, and other issues impacting the local business community.

The Speaker Series is financially supported by the Wakefield Economic Development Council through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds as part of the Town’s broader efforts to strengthen Wakefield’s economic vitality and support the success of local businesses. Events are held monthly through December 2026 at the Americal Civic Center and provide opportunities for education, networking, and collaboration within the Wakefield business community.

Massachusetts State Resources

MA Business Front Door

Find access on the Mass.gov website

The Massachusetts Business Front Door is a centralized portal that simplifies how companies navigate state government and access growth resources. By providing a “single entry point” to Team Massachusetts (Team MA), the site connects businesses with a designated point of contact and a customized dashboard to track funding opportunities, tax credits, and low-cost financing.

The platform eliminates the need to search across multiple state agencies, ensuring entrepreneurs and established corporations alike can efficiently find the tools they need to start, scale, or relocate within the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts Office of Business Development

Find access on the Mass.gov website

The Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), (part of Business Front Door), assists businesses relocating or expanding in the Commonwealth, with a focus on job creation and retention, as well as capital investment.

MOBD’s most significant offering is the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), which provides substantial tax credits to businesses that commit to growing their workforce or investing in local facilities. Beyond tax incentives, the office provides specialized support through the Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO) to assist with business transitions and the Business Builds Capital Grant for expansion projects. Central to their service model is a network of Regional Directors who provide one-on-one guidance, helping business owners navigate state regulations and connect with the broader “Team MA” network of financing and technical assistance.

Massachusetts Small Business Development Center

352 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) offers no-cost, confidential one-to-one advising and affordable training to help businesses start, grow, and secure financing. Through a statewide network, they provide expert guidance on business planning, marketing, and cash flow analysis, as well as specialized assistance for international trade and government contracting.

By partnering with federal, state, and academic institutions, the MSBDC ensures that local businesses have the expert guidance and strategic resources needed to secure financing, scale operations, and navigate the complexities of the modern marketplace.

MassDevelopment

MassDevelopment offers financing, real estate, and community development solutions to grow businesses within Massachusetts. They offer a wide variety of programs and services such as loans, tax-exempt bonds, grants, real estate technical assistance, and more.

MassHire Workforce Board and Career Center

350 Main Street, Suite 620, Malden, MA

The MassHire Workforce Board and Career Center are websites that represent the dual branches of the MassHire Metro North system, which serves the region’s labor market. While they work together, they offer different levels of support for businesses:

• MassHire Metro North Career Center (masshiremncareers.com) provides direct, tactical support for employers through immediate job postings, candidate screening, and employee training programs.
• MassHire Metro North Workforce Board (masshiremetronorth.org) manages the region’s strategic workforce policy and funding, aligning long-term industry needs with regional economic planning and grant opportunities.

Federal Level Resources

SCORE Boston

Washington, D.C. and Boston, MA

SCORE Boston is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain small businesses through free, expert-led resources. Their primary service is providing no-cost, confidential business mentoring through a network of experienced advisors who offer one-on-one guidance on topics ranging from initial startup ideas to scaling existing operations. In addition to personalized coaching, SCORE Boston hosts a robust schedule of workshops and webinars covering topics like marketing plans, financial essentials, and federal government contracting. They also maintain an extensive online library of business templates and tools.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

409 3rd St., SW, Washington, DC

The Small Business Administration serves as the federal government’s primary gateway for small business support across the Commonwealth. It provides direct access to critical funding programs, including 7(a), 504, and microloans, along with a “Lender Match” tool that connects entrepreneurs with SBA-approved lenders.

The site also provides a roadmap for federal contracting, helping businesses navigate certifications (like the 8(a) and Women-Owned programs) to compete for government projects. The office acts as a coordinator for a statewide network of resource partners, linking business owners to no-cost mentoring and technical assistance through SCORE, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and Women’s Business Centers.

Wakefield provides an extensive network of support for businesses, from startups to established businesses, encompassing local, state, and federal resources. Key assistance includes the Town of Wakefield Municipal Site for streamlined permitting and financial incentives, along with organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, state offices (MOBD, Business Front Door), and federal resources (SBA, SCORE, and MassHire) offering everything from grants and tax credits to no-cost advising and workforce development. This unified network is designed to simplify launching, growing, and scaling a business within the community.