Boston’s entrepreneurial landscape is vibrant and diverse, offering numerous resources to support small businesses and startups. Here are some key programs designed to empower local entrepreneurs:
BizUnlocked Boston Business Access Program
Led by the City of Boston’s Office of Small Business in partnership with Tessi Consulting, BizUnlocked Boston connects small business owners with essential resources, expertise, and relationships. The program blends in-person workshops, virtual sessions, and group technical assistance to help businesses build lasting foundations. Eligibility includes early-stage, full-time entrepreneurs within the first three years of operation, with a commitment to active participation.
TiE Boston
TiE Boston is a member-based organization founded in 1997 by successful entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and senior professionals. It supports entrepreneurs of all backgrounds through mentoring, networking, funding, and education. Programs include TiE ScaleUp, New England’s first and only seed+ to Series A accelerator, and TiE Young Entrepreneurs, which helps high school students develop entrepreneurial skills.
Venture Development Center (VDC) at UMass Boston
The VDC is an incubator for early-stage technology and life science startups. It offers business mentorship, connections, and resources such as offices, laboratories, and equipment. The center also provides programming for the UMass Boston community about product commercialization and entrepreneurship.
Business Advancement for Small Enterprises (BASE) at Suffolk University
BASE is a 10-month entrepreneurship program offering training, mentorship, and resources to help aspiring Boston-area entrepreneurs in economically challenged areas launch and grow successful businesses. The program includes a six-week bootcamp covering business fundamentals, followed by mentorship and student consulting engagements.
MIT Venture Mentoring Service (VMS)
VMS provides aspiring entrepreneurs with impartial and unbiased team mentoring based on a strict code of ethics. The service is offered at no cost and is confidential. Since 2000, over 4,400 entrepreneurs across all industries have been mentored by VMS.
Visible Hands Boston (VHBOS)
VHBOS is a Boston-based fellowship for early-stage entrepreneurs who represent Greater Boston’s rich racial and gender diversity. The program offers ten weeks of hybrid programming, a $5,000 non-dilutive grant, and hands-on project support ranging from design to fundraising.
Latino Cultural Entrepreneurship Program (LCE) at VROCC Boston
The LCE is a bilingual initiative designed to support Latino entrepreneurs, small business owners, creatives, and aspiring founders in Boston. The program offers practical workshops, personalized technical assistance, and real-world opportunities to help participants transform ideas into structured businesses and strengthen existing ventures.
These programs reflect Boston’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, contributing to the city’s economic growth and innovation.