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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!

Explore Opportunities and Insights

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Healthy YOU Vending

The demand for healthier food choices is exploding dont miss this window of opportunity Provide in-demand healthier snacks and drinks through our state-of-the-art vending systems. Enjoy franchise-level support without the financial burden of paying royalties or ridiculous fees. Start part-time, keeping your current job and benefits, while enjoying complete flexibility with your schedule. Run your passive income business from home, managing it remotely 24/7 with no need for employees.

$60,000 Min Cash Required

CRAVE Hot Dogs and BBQ

Crave is searching for franchise partners in the U.S. We are one of the fastest-growing Hot Dog & BBQ franchises, with brick-and-mortar and food truck opportunities as well as express units inside Walmart. If you want to own your own business and be your own boss, look no further Multiple investment levels and something for everyone Three different investment opportunities to choose from: BRICK & MORTAR, FOOD TRUCKS, and EXPRESS UNITS INSIDE WALMART

$70,000 Min Cash Required

SiteSwan Website Builder

Start your own web design business with SiteSwan. Create & sell websites to small businesses in your area with our easy-to-use, private label website builder. Set your own prices - keep 100 of the sales. Our turnkey platform is designed for anyone looking to sell websites to small businesses - no experience needed.

$199 Min Cash Required

Zoomin Groomin

Sniffing around for a great new opportunity? Zoomin Groomin is expanding our Mobile Pet Grooming business nationwide. Set your own schedule, be your own boss and work with pets all day. Well be right by your side, every step of the way. Woof

$90,000 Min Cash Required

Ace Handyman Services

Since being acquired by Ace Hardware in September of 2019, we are pairing our deep experience in this booming industry with a recognizable home brand name. Now is the time to get in on the ground floor of this growing franchise opportunity and utilize your prior business experience with our own methods. We are offering a reasonable cost of entry in a segment that is booming, and is not just a fashionable trend, but a strong consumer need as essential as utilities for a home. With the DIY (Do It Yourself) market declining and the DIFM (Do It For Me) market increasing, now is the time to join a recognizable home brand in this 400 Billion Dollar industry. We have been tasked with bringing helpful handyman services to all of the Ace Hardware customers homes.

$70,000 Min Cash Required

Automated Investments

Automated Investments is the pillar of e-Commerce automation. Automated Investments build and operate profitable and hands off Amazon FBA (Fulfilled-By-Amazon) businesses for their clients and investors. While the clients and investors act as the capital partners, Automated Investments works tirelessly behind the scenes as the operation partners providing 20-50 monthly ROI. Automated Investments handles the Amazon store creation, product research, product purchasing, Amazon FBA product prep, shipping the inventory to your Amazon FBA store, full complete custom support and ongoing management. We lift our fingers so you dont have to.

Starting a Small Business in Massachusetts