Looking to start a business? Here are some great local resources to help you plan and or continue working on your small business in Fall River.
First stop is the City of Fall River’s online business resource center. Here you can find information on permits, licensing, compliance, and opportunities for funding and/or expansion. This page provides guidance on a range of topics allowing for easy access to where to get started.
Next up is SCORE, a group of experienced business professionals who guide those desiring to start up a new small business or assist existing small businesses in improving their profitability.
SCORE volunteers are experts with experience in a variety of areas such as; accounting, finance, human resources, consulting, import/export, law, operations, production, retail, wholesale, manufacturing, sales, marketing, management, business plan preparation, strategic planning, and many other business disciplines.
Their resources include tools to (1) Plan + start (2) Manage + grow and (3) Transition + exit your business. They use a multitude of methods such as templates, spreadsheets, webinars, workshops, and mentorships.
If doing your own research feels challenging, you can contact the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center. This network provides free or low-cost educational training programs for new or current businesses. The MSBDC also includes confidential free one-to-one business assistance. Areas of assistance include, but are not limited to: business plan development, preventure feasibility, cash flow analysis, personnel and organizational issues, conventional and non-conventional financing, marketing, international trade, SBIR and government procurement.
Looking for something a little more intensive and guided? EforAll has training programs dedicated to business mentorship and advising. Their Accelerator is a free, one-year program offered twice a year in EforAll communities. It provides immersive business training, mentorship and access to an extended professional network. Anyone with a dream to start or grow a business is encouraged to sign up. Apply here by May 9th for the next Southcoast business accelerator program.
A great resource for new or existing businesses is the One SouthCoast Chamber. This organization positively impacts business members by participating in business initiatives including education, economic development, trade shows, and legislative affairs. Learn more about becoming a member today by signing up here.
For more business resource links check out Viva Fall River’s Business Page.