Doing Business in Somerville
We're here to help you start, expand, or improve your Somerville-based business. The Economic Development Department is happy to help you navigate the process of getting your business up and running with all the necessary licenses and permits. We’re also able to help you find real estate within the city and connect with financial or technical assistance resources to ensure you’re off to a strong start.
Contact Information
Email: economicdevelopment@somervillema.gov
Phone: 617-625-6600 ext. 2515
or Contact Request through 311 (617-666-3311)
Hours:
Monday - Wednesday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Virtual Office Hours
Thursdays 4-5 p.m. Business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend to bring questions to City staff.
Join the recurring Zoom meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86006892005?pwd=U2xsT2JvQmdTMmpoY2dtTk10SXNYZz09
Stay Connected
Sign up for the Economic Development Newsletter
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Virtual Office Hours
We are offering Virtual Office Hours via zoom on Thursdays from 4pm to 5pm. Business owners and entrepreneurs are welcome to pop up, bring their questions and talk directly with City staff.
Please find below the link for the recurring meeting.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86006892005?pwd=U2xsT2JvQmdTMmpoY2dtTk10SXNYZz09
In Person Office Hours by appointment:
Email us at economicdevelopment@somervillema.gov
SIGN UP NOW for the Economic Development Newsletter
Tufts Administration Building
167 Holland Street
Somerville, MA 02144
United States
Employee Directory
We know it can be stressful and confusing to start a business. We're here to help! Check out some helpful resources, programs, and links below, including a step-by-step online guide to help get you started. You can also view the PDF version of this guide if you prefer.
Creating a Budget and Business Plan
A business plan is an important document that can help you make strategic decisions and communicate your business’s strengths especially when applying for financing. A budget and business plan should take into account:
- Startup costs, including licenses and fees
- A budget for long-term operation
- A marketing strategy
- Research into competitors in the area
Securing Financing for Your Business
There are a few ways to finance your business:
- Personal Savings, Contributions from friends and family
- Crowd-sourced funding through platforms like IndieGoGo, Kickstarter, and NuMarket
- Bank loans and government-backed loans from the Small Business Administration
- Microloans from providers like Accion or SBA (Small Business Administration) lenders https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/microloans
- First-time business owners sometimes have difficulty accessing traditional bank loans and find that they must depend on other financial sources
- Research for grants. There may be grants available through cities, the state, federal resources or other organizations. These grants may have varying requirements and times of disbursement, depending on funding availability.
Legal Structure and Business Entity Registration
- Choose your business type: Decide whether you will operate as a sole proprietor, Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), corporation, partnership etc. This affects your taxes, liability, and paperwork
- Get your EIN: Most business structures need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Register your business with the state: Depending on your business type, you may need to register with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
- File a DBA (Doing Business As) with the City: Once you have a business name and a Somerville location, file a Business Certification (DBA) with the Somerville City Clerk’s Office
- Register for Massachusetts Taxes: Use MasTaxConect to register for any taxes your business needs. For example (retail- sales tax, restaurant- meals tax, withholding tax- if you have employees)
- Make sure you have any required state licenses: Depending on your field (construction, childcare, food, professional services) you may need state-level licenses and must follow tabor and tax laws.
Need a full checklist? Visit the state’s guide: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/starting-a-business-in-massachusetts
Finding the Right Location
Looking for the perfect spot to open your business? Start by thinking about where your ideal customers already spend time. Which neighborhoods, streets, or spots do they love? Consider what type of foot traffic your business needs. Do you want to be in a busy area, or a quieter location.
Once you have a sense of what you may need, it becomes easier to focus your search and identify the right property. Fill out the Site Finder Form if you would like us to help you find some potential locations.
Before you sign a lease:
- Check the locations zoning early: Contact ISD-Zoning at isdzoning@somervillema.gov : Include the specific address and the narrative of your business operations and ask for an initial review to verify your business type is allowed at that location under the zoning ordinance
- If the use is not allowed by right at the location: Verify if there is a pathway to apply for zoning relief with the Planning, Preservation, and Zoning Department. Visit https://www.somervillema.gov/ppz for details.
- Get help reviewing your lease: We strongly recommend hiring a lawyer to review your lease before you sign it. For general guidance and negotiation tips, check out our Commercial Leasing Handbook:
Make Physical Improvements
The Building Division of the Inspectional Service Department (ISD- Buildings) reviews plans, issues permits, and performs inspections and related services to ensure compliance with the Massachusetts State Building Code and Somerville Zoning Ordinance.
- Anyone seeking to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, demolish a structure or install a sign must first obtain a building permit from the Inspectional Services Division (ISD).
- Per Somerville Zoning Ordinance and Massachusetts State Building Code (780 C.M.R.), a building permit must be obtained before the start of any work and must be displayed at the job site. The scope of work will determine the need for additional permits (Electrical, plumbing, sheet metal, etc.), and in most cases an application for the Certificate of Occupancy will be required as well.
- Please note that changes to the façade will also trigger the need of Site Plan Approval, please see details at https://www.somervillema.gov/ppz
- Your Licensed contractor will be the one submitting the Building Permit Application Through the Citizenserve portal at www.somervillema.gov/citizenserve. Responses to permits will be done through Citizenserve, so it is important to maintain good communication with your contractor.
- Requirements include, construction contract, scope of work, contractor’s construction supervisor license (CSL), stamped plans showing existing conditions and proposed changes, and other standard documents. Please visit https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/isd/building-division for additional details.
Operational Licensing & Permitting
The City Clerk’s Office, Licensing Commission, and ISD-Health offer different types of licenses. You can research and apply for business licenses online using the city of Somerville’s CitizenServe portal. Depending on the type of business you are planning to open, the licensing process may include multiple departments in the city and licensing with the state as well. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, and if you would like assistance understanding the licensing process for your type of business.
- Most Common Licenses from city departments: Common Victualer License (restaurant without alcohol license), Liquor License (restaurant with alcohol License), Food Establishment License, Entertainment, Dumpster use License, Outdoor dining license, Garage License, etc.
- Most Common Licenses with the State of Massachusetts: Hair Salon/ cosmetology, Child Care Centers, Massage Therapy Establishments, Food related wholesale Licenses, etc.
Please fill out this form to request business assistance, thank you https://www.somervillema.gov/businesshelp
Running Your Business
Stay Current: Licenses, Permits & Business Requirements
Renew on time! Make sure all licenses, permits, and insurance policies are renewed as required.
- Business Certificate: renew every 4 years
- Food establishment, common victualer, liquor, dumpster licenses: renew annually
Also, keep up with tax filings, labor laws, and any other City or State requirements.
Planning to make changes? Changing your business hours? Adding alcohol to your menu? Want to add outdoor seating?
You may need additional licenses. Contact the Licensing Team first at licensing@somervillema.gov before making changes.
Whether you’re just starting out or growing your dream, we’re excited to support your journey.
Small Business Virtual Office Hours
Need help with business licensing and permitting? Any questions? Pop in and join City staff from:
- Economic Development
- City Clerk's Office
- Inspectional Services-ISD
Thursdays from 4 P.M. to 5 P.M.
Join by Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86006892005?pwd=U2xsT2JvQmdTMmpoY2dtTk10SXNYZz09
Go to this link to fill out the form to get help with your business: https://www.somervillema.gov/businesshelp
To apply or renew business licenses and permits, visit the City's CitizenServe web portal. CitizenServe makes it easy to determine what permits and/or licenses your business needs and helps you apply for/renew them.
Networking and Advocacy
- East Somerville Main Streets: Organizes events, connects member businesses to resources, and helps members stay up-to-date on news that affects the East Somerville neighborhood.
- Somerville Chamber of Commerce: Networking and advocacy for Somerville businesses.
- Union Square Main Streets: Organizes events, connects member businesses to resources, and helps members stay up-to-date on news that affects the Union Square neighborhood.
Business Development & Support
- Business Front Door: Through the Business Front Door, a state navigator can connect you to the latest and most relevant resources available for businesses looking to start, grow, or relocate to Massachusetts. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/business-front-door
- Nibble Entrepreneurship Program (Somerville Arts Council): These culinary training programs work directly with immigrants to assist them in exploring a culinary career and testing a food business idea. For more information, contact Rachel Strutt at rstrutt@somervilleartscouncilma.gov or 617.625.6600, x 2985.
- Boston SCORE: Offers free counseling and mentoring to those looking to start or grow a business and free and low-cost workshops on a variety of topics.
- Center for Women in Enterprise: Provides education and technical support for female business owners.
- Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice: Provides legal support and free events for small businesses.
- Massachusetts Small Business Development Center: Provides free, one-to-one business assistance and free or low-cost training programs to prospective and existing small businesses.
- U.S. Small Business Administration: The SBA provides regular trainings, workshops, and other resources to small businesses throughout the nation. There is a regional office and a Boston district office for even more targeted support.
- RecyclingWorks Massachusetts: This is a recycling assistance program funding by the state to help businesses and institutions reduce waste and maximize recycling, reuse, and food recovery opportunities.
Financial Assistance
- U.S. Small Business Administration (U.S. Government): The SBA offers many loan programs; the 7a loans and the CDC/504 loans have been useful to a number of businesses in Somerville. If you are looking to purchase a building or fixed equipment for your business, these loans can provide SBA-guaranteed loans that will reduce the financing costs. https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/find
- MassDevelopment is Massachusetts’ development finance agency and land bank focused on stimulating businesses, driving economic growth, and helping communities thrive across the state. MassDevelopment offers low-cost and creative financing options for a range of organizations.
- Crowd-funding Platforms: Crowdfunding leverages small contributions from many individuals, connecting entrepreneurs with a diverse group of potential investors through social media and dedicated platforms. such as NuMarket, Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Gofundme, etc.
- The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a City grant program that funds open space/outdoor recreation, affordable housing, and historic preservation. Property owners can apply for funds to preserve or restore historic buildings. To be eligible, projects must preserve historic features that provide a public benefit. This typically means restoration of the building exterior where it is visible from the street. In some cases, CPA can fund required code improvements or extraordinary repairs that maintain a building's core functionality. To learn more about the CPA program, visit https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/community-preservation-act.
Tax Credits & Other Incentives:
- Mass Save Incentives: Energy saving for businesses, please visit the website for details.
- Disabled Access Credit (U.S. Government): The Disabled Access Credit provides a non-refundable credit for small businesses that incur expenditures for the purpose of providing access to persons with disabilities. Additional information can be found by visiting the American with Disabilities Act website or calling the ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or TTY 800-514-0383.
- Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (Commonwealth of Massachusetts): The Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax allows the certified rehabilitation of an income-producing property to receive up to 20% of the cost of certified rehabilitation expenditures in state tax credit. For more information, please visit the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s website.
- Please also visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/taxincentives/index.htm for additional information about Historic Preservation Tax Incentives.
Somerville Economic Development News Signup
Feedback
Please submit website feedback using this form. Be sure to include:
Thank you for your feedback!