Home

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

Sort by

Five Star Painting

Five Star Painting, a Neighborly company, is the nation's leading residential and commercial painting services franchise. With us, business ownership is a stroke of genius

$50,000 Min Cash Required

PostalAnnex

Today's busy lifestyles demand the services PostalAnnex offers. Capitalize on this demand and open your own business After retiring from the printing business PostalAnnex founder Jack Lentz began working out of his home as a business consultant. He soon realized the need for mailing faxing copying shipping and other services to belong under one roof. As a result he created the first PostalAnnex store business franchise located next door to a post office in the University City neighborhood of San Diego CA. Our franchises serve a growing customer base of small and home-based businesses that lacks the resources our stores offer. Today's hectic lifestyle requires a one-stop service center for businesses that don't have an administrative assistant to take care of those daily errands. Saving our consumers time is what keeps them coming back. By being a local neighborhood business

$70,000 Min Cash Required

SmartMarket Solutions

SmartMarket Solutions is redefining unattended retail with AI-powered SmartMarkets that offer secure, grab-and-go access to todays most popular snacks and beverages. No lines, no staff, and no franchise feesjust a smarter, more scalable way to build a flexible business. Backed by advanced technology, national brand products, and full training and support, this is a future-ready opportunity designed for entrepreneurs who want real freedom and strong income potential.

$50,000 Min Cash Required

Minuteman Press

Own an Essential B2B Printing & Marketing Franchise with a proven business model, low inventory, work-life balance, great products & services that every business needs. No prior experience is needed. Be part of the modern printing industry.

$50,000 Min Cash Required

Wayback Burgers

Wayback Burgers is a fast-growing, globally recognized burger franchise offering hand-crafted food in a modern, nostalgic setting. With flexible restaurant formats, strong brand appeal, and full franchisee support, its an ideal opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking a scalable, community-driven business. From real estate to marketing, franchisees receive comprehensive help every step of the way. Join a brand built on quality, simplicity, and lasting customer loyalty.

$250,000 Min Cash Required

CartCapital - Subscription Based E-Commerce Store

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. Request more information now

Starting a Small Business in Massachusetts