Business Resources and Workforce Development

There are numerous business resources available to Norwood business owners that offer a comprehensive array of resources, including but not limited to conventional and non-conventional financing, marketing, exporting, grant opportunities, accounting, human resources, business plan development, networking, pre-venture feasibility, cash flow analysis, assistance with personnel and organizational issues, and market viability.
Team Massachusetts (State Agencies and Quasi-State Agencies)
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts manages several agencies that offer a wide array of business resources. Click on the link above to learn more.

South East Economic Development Corporation (SEED)
SEED conducts monthly training sessions and individual sessions with existing and potential entrepreneurs on a scheduled basis. SEED is also a lender. "SEED administers four main loan programs: Fast Track Loans, SBA Micro Loans, Small Loans, and SBA 504 Loans. Prospective borrowers can work with SEED to determine which program best suits their financing needs and provide them with the most favorable rate and terms. SEED's larger financing programs are designed to work with local lending institutions interested in partnering on loan projects while mitigating risks associated with the financing needs."

Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA offers various services to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, but its core focus is lending. Most SBA loans are administered by banks or CDFIs, like SEED. Click on the following to find a lender: SBA Lender Match.

Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) Eastern Massachusetts - Women's Business Center
"The Center for Women & Enterprise is the destination for aspiring, up-and-coming, and established entrepreneurs who want to increase their professional success and personal growth." CWE offers online learning, financial education, networking opportunities, consulting & mentoring.

HarborOne Bank
HarborOne Bank maintains an extensive database of resources, webinars, templates, and other tools for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to start their businesses, improve cash flow, market more effectively, and more. Not sure where to get started? Check out HarborOne's Voyage.

SCORE Boston
"SCORE Boston is 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." In addition to mentorship, SCORE hosts several free workshops for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Small Business Strong
"Small Business Strong provides expedited, pro-bono resources to small businesses ranging from access to capital to consulting, business restructuring, business growth, digital marketing, and customer engagement plans." Small Business Strong was started to help women and minority-owned businesses navigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Friends of Norwood Center (FONC)
FONC is the association for small businesses in Norwood Center (downtown). FONC plans and sponsors events in Norwood Center to increase foot traffic in the area for its membership.

Neponset River Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Neponset River Regional Chamber of Commerce serves Norwood's and several of our neighbors' business communities. The Chamber offers its member several programs and services, including, but not limited to, networking events, a regional restaurant week, and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)
"The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the official export credit agency of the United States. EXIM is an independent Executive Branch agency with a mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating the export of U.S. goods and services."

Transactional Law Clinics - Harvard Law School
The Transactional Law Clinics (TLC) is a clinical program of Harvard Law School. TLC consists of the Business and Non-Profit Clinic, the Real Estate Clinic, the Entertainment Law Clinic, and the Community Enterprise Project (CEP). The Transactional Law Clinics collaborate with and provide legal assistance to individual and corporate clients, business assistance providers, nonprofit organizations, community development corporations, and other community based-organizations engaged in commercial or economic development activities.