Technical Assistance / Business Development Resources

Salem is fortunate to have a number of high quality technical resources available to its business owners at little or no cost. The following is a listing of those agencies, contact information, and a brief description of their services. If you are unsure of where to start, contact the Department of Planning and Community Development for assistance.


Local Resources

Enterprise Center, Salem State University
Laura DeToma Swanson, Executive Director
121 Loring Avenue
Salem, MA 01970
978/542-7039

Whether you are thinking of a business idea, running a small business, or part of a larger business, the Enterprise Center has programs to help you succeed.

Salem State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Leslie Scales, Regional Director
Walter Manninen and Awilda Irizarry, Business Advisors
c/o Enterprise Center
121 Loring Avenue, Suite 310
Salem, MA 01970
978/542-6343

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network's Northeast Regional Office provides free and confidential business assistance to prospective and existing small businesses.  Located at the Enterprise Center—a regional business incubator and conference center located at Salem State University—the SBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development and is a program of Salem State University.  Business advising and workshop topics cover a wide array of management concerns. They may include business plan development, preventure feasibility, buying or selling a business, financing, cash flow analysis, marketing and personnel issues. Special programs include assistance with international trade, minority business assistance, and state and federal government contracting.

Salem Chamber of Commerce
Rinus Oosthoek, Executive Director
265 Essex Street
Salem, MA 01970
978/744-0004

The Salem Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice for member businesses, representing, advocating, and working to enhance the business environment.


State Resources

Massachusetts Economic Development - Business Resource Team

MassDevelopment provides the financial tools and real estate expertise needed to stimulate economic growth across the state of Massachusetts. We work with businesses and local officials to address blighted areas, help create jobs, and address overarching issues that impact economic development, such as housing affordability.

Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development - The Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development is a private, non-profit partnership of business, industry leaders, and government dedicated to the economic growth of Massachusetts.


Federal Resources

North Shore Workforce Investment Board - Salem is home to the to the North Shore Workforce Investment Board which brings together businesses, educational institutions and community organizations to provide opportunities to prepare the workforce now and into the future. Its Salem Career Center offers a myriad of services and resources for the job seeker and potential employer to the eighteen cities and towns that are served by the Workforce Investment Board. Phone 978-741-3805.

Small Business Administration - The SBA offers numerous financing and technical assistance programs to assist small businesses.

For more information or if you need assistance please contact:

City of Salem, Department of Planning and Community Development
120 Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Salem, MA 01970
978/619-5685