General Overview of the Development Process

• Permit Matrix
• City Website for Businesses

Building / Renovating / Development Resources

• Permitting Guides (Plan Build Grow)
• Zoning Bylaws
• Zoning Map
• Building Permits - Learn what permits are required for construction, then view and print out the permit applications to bring in
• Brownfields Redevelopment - Learn about the City’s Brownfields Program which offers free environmental site assessments on qualified properties
• Conservation Commission
• Department of Public Works
• Digsafe: 888.DIG.SAFE (888.344.7233) or 8-1-1

Operating a Business

• Check Current Tax Rates
• Learn About Licensing
• Registering Your Business:
  • Corporations must be registered with the State of Massachusetts
  • Unincorporated Businesses must register with the City Clerk’s Offices

City Databases

• Permits - Search for the past and current permits for a specific parcel or track your permits
• Interactive Map - Search for public information on specific parcels
• Assessors - search the Assessor’s database

Business Resources

The city does not have any small business grants or loans. However, below is a list of other places to look for information and help with business planning and potential sources of funding. Parts of Downtown Framingham are designated as a federal HUBzone and the entire City of Framingham is a state Economic Target Area (ETA), both of which may open additional resources for your business. Here is a summary of State Incentive Programs.

In 2018, the City had several census tracts designated as Opportunity Zones.  Learn more about that federal program here: US Opportunity Zone Program.  

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) offers free business counseling office hours at the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce every week. The Chamber office (on Route 9) can be reached at 508.879.5600.

State Contacts

Mass Office of Business Development (MOBD) - Framingham is in the MetroWest Region  
Peter Milano, Regional Director Massachusetts Office of Business Development
p. 978-970-1193 
Email

Mass Development - In some cases they can offer low interest financing
Kelly Arvidon, Sr. VP of Business Development
Mass Development
MetroWest Regional Office
30 Lyman St., Suite 4
Westborough, MA 01581
p: 508.898.8692
Email

MassEcon - Offers commercial and industrial site selection assistance in Massachusetts

Federal Contacts

 
U.S. Small Business Association
Boston Office:
David Polatin, Asst. District Dir. Business Development
10 Causeway St., Room 265
Boston, MA 02222
p: 617.565.5562
Email

Other Local / Regional Small Business Resources

Clark University Small Business Development Center
MSBDC Network at Clark University
Central Regional Office
950 Main St.
Worcester, MA 01610
p: 508.793.7615
f: 508.793.8890
Email

Massachusetts SBDC (Small Business Development Center)
Ms. Georgianna Parkin, State Director
University of Massachusetts
227 Isenberg School of Management
121 President's Dr.
Amherst, MA 01003-9310
p: 413.545.6301
f: 413.545.1273
Email