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Starting a Small Business in Massachusetts

Welcome to the Small Business Startup Massachusetts Franchise Directory! Here, you’ll find everything you need to begin your journey to business ownership in The Old Bay State. If you’re thinking about starting a small business in MA, read on for an overview of the state economy. Afterward, explore business opportunities and franchises for sale with our Massachusetts Franchise Search Tool.

Massachusetts Industry Trends

If an industry is performing well, business opportunities within it are often worth exploring. Begin your market research with this list of the Massachusetts economy's largest industries in 2022. Afterward, take your research one step further by investigating niche markets and B2B opportunities within one of these top revenue-generating industries.

Drug, Cosmetic & Toiletry Wholesaling (Revenue: $68.6 billion)
Life Insurance & Annuities (Revenue: $66.7 billion)
Colleges & Universities (Revenue: $57.5 billion)
Hospitals (Revenue: $41.4 billion)
Real Estate Investment Trusts (Revenue: $40.1 billion)
Health & Medical Insurance (Revenue: $39.6 billion)
Biotechnology (Revenue: $38.1 billion)
Portfolio Management (Revenue: $35.6 billion)
Public Schools (Revenue: $33.5 billion)
Commercial Banking (Revenue: $31.6 billion)

Massachusetts Sector Statistics

When starting a small business in MA, gross domestic product (GDP) is another tool that entrepreneurs can use to make investment decisions. Generally, a steadily rising GDP means that people are spending more money and more jobs are being created.

The three sectors that contributed most to Massachusetts’ GDP in 2022 were Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Real Estate, Rentals & Leasing; and Manufacturing. Combined, these three sectors represented 42.3% of the state’s GDP. In 2022, the 10 sectors that contributed most to Massachusetts’ GDP included:

Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (Value: $91.3 billion* | Annual growth: 7.7%)
Real Estate, Rentals & Leasing (Value: $65.8 billion* | Annual growth: 1.6%)
Manufacturing (Value: $58 billion* | Annual growth: 4.3%)
Media Creation & Distribution (Value: $48.4 billion* | Annual growth: 11.2%)
Finance & Insurance (Value: $48 billion* | Annual growth: 4.4%)
Healthcare & Social Assistance (Value: $47.5 billion* | Annual growth: 0.8%)
Wholesale Trade (Value: $26.5 billion* | Annual growth: 3.0%)
Retail Trade (Value: $22 billion* | Annual growth: 0.4%)
Construction (Value: $18.3 billion* | Annual growth: 4.3%)
Administration, Business Support & Waste Management Services (Value: $16.1 billion* | Annual growth: 6.3%)

*Approximately

Massachusetts Population Statistics

A growing population often means greater demand and a steady flow of new customers. If you are undecided about the location of your new business, start by investigating population statistics. Afterward, take your research a step further by exploring population demographics. By doing so, you can decide whether a location is a good match for your target market.

In 2022, counties with the highest populations in Massachusetts included:

Middlesex (Population: 1.6 million | Annual growth rate*: 0.1%)
Worcester (Population: 831,000 | Annual growth rate*: 0.1%)
Suffolk (Population: 800.8k | Annual growth rate*: -0.1%)
Essex (Population: 795.1k | Annual growth rate*: 0.2%)
Norfolk (Population: 714.8k | Annual growth rate*: 0.4%)
Bristol (Population: 570.0k | Annual growth rate*: 0.3%)
Plymouth (Population: 528.6k | Annual growth rate*: 0.5%)
Hampden (Population: 461.1k | Annual growth rate*: -0.3%)
Barnstable (Population: 212.9k | Annual growth rate*: -0.1%)
Hampshire (Population: 161.4k | Annual growth rate*: N/A)

*From 2017 to 2022.

Massachusetts Business Opportunities

We hope this snapshot of the Massachusetts economy helps as you investigate business opportunities in The Old Bay State! Starting a small business in MA is an exciting journey, and we know you’re probably eager to get started. But remember, take your time to explore all your options. While you’ll always have the “opportunity” to start your own business, sometimes, it makes more sense to invest in an opportunity that already exists. These are called “Franchise Opportunities,” and they offer several benefits, including the recognition of a well-established brand and a proven track record of success.

To learn more, start by exploring franchise opportunities in Massachusetts, below!

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Phoenix Ecom

We build and scale Amazon stores for our clients by helping automate all inventory management tasks from account health monitoring to 24/7 customer service. Learn more now

$40,000 Min Cash Required

Healthy YOU Vending

For the last 24 years, HealthyYOU Vending has offered franchise-level support with NO royalties or other ongoing fees. New business owners can start part time and keep their job & benefits. Completely flexible schedule with no employees (or they can have one who does all the work for them). The machines sell healthy snacks and drinks and owners monitor their machines remotely 24/7 and run their business from home. HealthyYOU Vending is a top opportunity.

$60,000 Min Cash Required

Automated Ecom LLC

We build and scale Amazon businesses for our clients by helping automate all inventory management tasks, keeping account health in great condition, inventory monitoring, 24/7 customer service, and helping to automate any and all business tasks associated with owning an Amazon store.

$40,000 Min Cash Required

Build My Brand

Did you know you could partner with a company to build out your entire e-commerce store, from product research to inventory acquisition to marketing? Yep You can easily make 6-7 figures in passive income when we build your e-commerce empire and money-making machine from the ground up All it takes is an upfront investment, and our team will do the rest. By this time next year, you could be sitting on a 7 figure empire. Learn more now

$30,000 Min Cash Required

E-Commerce Future USA

Ready to join the future of online shopping? Our E-Commerce Future Partner Program is your ticket in Experience hands-off Amazon stores that effortlessly generate passive returns every month, taking advantage of Amazons 1.5 trillion dollar marketplace. Not only does Amazon handle logistics like packaging, payment processing, shipping and customer service but you can also stock major brand names that are already highly sought after on the platform. Learn more

$30,000 Min Cash Required

Blue Coast Savings Consultants

There is NO better business model that is designed to excel in inflation, recession, and uncertain times. We help you create the ultimate MONTHLY cash flow for years by helping companies save money when they need it. Buy a SMARTER business model, especially NOW.