Small businesses and entrepreneurs play an important role in the vibrancy of our city: they provide quality jobs, help power our economy, and revitalize neighborhoods. Use the tools below to start, manage, and grow a business in Boston.
guide
Starting a business
Last updated:
Where to start
Contact: Housing
Register a Business
Contact: City Clerk
If you’re looking to operate a business in Boston, you’ll need to register it with the City. Any person, partnership, or corporation doing business in Boston under a name other than their own must file a "doing business as" (d/b/a) certificate. The certificate is renewable every four years through the Office of the City Clerk.
Fees
The filing fee is $65 and is payable by cash, check, money order, or debit card. There is an additional $35 fee for anyone who doesn’t live in Massachusetts but conducts business here.
Apply for a business certificate
Step 1: Fill out the New Business Certificate Application
- List the name and address of your business. Post office boxes are not acceptable as a business address.
- List the name and address of each individual who has an interest in the business.
Step 2: Get the application notarized
- Option 1: Get the application notarized at City Hall when you drop off your application and fees.
- Option 2: Contact a notary public before mailing in your application and fees to the City Clerk.
Step 3: Submit the application in person or by mail
- Option 1: Go to City Hall between 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
Boston City Hall
City Clerk, Room 601
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201 - Option 2: Go to the City Hall to Go Truck when it’s in your neighborhood. Check the schedule
- Option 3: Mail the application, fee, and a self addressed stamped envelope to the City Clerk. Make sure to include “ATTN: Business Certificates” on the envelope.
Financing and Assistance
Contact: Economic Opportunity and Inclusion
Economic Development and the Boston Redevelopment Authority have a variety of tools to help fund your new business. A few of our favorites are listed below.
Boston Buying Power
Controls electricity and natural gas costs by participating in a citywide energy buying group.
Boston Main Streets
Provides funding and technical assistance to 20 neighborhood-based Main Streets districts throughout Boston.
Boston Local Development Corporation
Provides loans of up to $150,000 for businesses in, or relocating to, the City of Boston.
Who Issues Licenses?
The Licensing Board issues and regulates licenses related to alcohol, food, and lodging in Boston.
The Consumer Affairs and Licensing Division licenses entertainment for restaurants and nightclubs.
Where do applications go?
You’ll submit applications and any fees to the Licensing Board, the Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing, or, if needed, the State’s Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
Depending on the application, you might need to meet with neighborhood associations and have a hearing in front of the Licensing Board.
Common Forms and Applications:
Liquor License: For any food service establishment wanting to serve alcohol.
1-Day Liquor License: For any business or nonprofit wanting to serve alcohol at a one-day event.
Annual Live Entertainment License: For any consumer business wanting to have live music or other entertainment.
Common Victualler License: For any food service establishment wanting to cook, prepare, and serve food.
Expert Advice
Contact: Housing
Connect with an expert
Get answers about permitting and licensing, developing a business plan, and other business issues.
Back Streets Boston
Helps businesses with a range of industrial planning services and strategic advice.
Women Entrepreneurs Boston
Provides skills, technical assistance, and networking for Boston's women entrepreneurs.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Free counseling, advice, and information on starting a small business from accredited counselors.
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network
Provides confidential assistance with start-ups, business plan development, marketing strategies, and more.
Outside Resources
Contact: Housing
This is a collection of useful links to non-government groups that might be able to help your business.
ACCION USA
Provides affordable small business loans to microentrepreneurs.
Kirstein Business Library
Read financial publications, investment advisory newsletters, and statistics.
Center for Women and Enterprise
Helps women start and grow their businesses.
Dorchester Bay EDC
Resources for businesses thinking of opening in north Dorchester.
Interise
Provides entrepreneurial education, new networks, and access to markets.
JP Neighborhood Development Corp
Resources for businesses thinking of opening in Jamaica Plain.
Nuestra Comunidad Development Corp
Resources for businesses thinking of opening in Roxbury.
SCORE
Provides free counseling and mentoring to new businesses.
