Owning and/or managing a business, large or small, is no easy task. Given the time and budgetary constraints of many business owners, it is difficult to research and access appropriate management-assistance resources that can help a business to grow. The Chamber plays a positive role in bringing these resources to your business.

Small Business Counseling: The Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce has been designated as an Official Outreach Center for the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), and we work in close cooperation with the Southeast Economic Development Corporation (SEED).

The Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) is a state agency providing one-stop assistance to companies in a variety of ways, including site selection, financing, permitting, workforce training and tax incentives. MOBD Project Managers attend to each company's needs on an individual, project-oriented basis. For more information, visit the MOBD Website. Southeast Regional Office: Gay Wells, Regional Director, 275 Martine Street, Suite 201, Fall River, MA 02703, Telephone 508-730-1438.

The “MSBDC,” as it is known, provides high-quality, in-depth counseling, training and capital access which contributes to the entrepreneurial growth of small businesses throughout Massachusetts. Services are delivered through a network of skilled, professional staff. The MSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Commonwealth's Department of Economic Development and a consortium of higher educational institutions. The Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce office has been designated as an official SBDC outreach center. For more information visit the MSBDC website or call Melinda Ailes, Senior Management Counselor at 508-673-9783 or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to schedule an appointment.

SEED is a non-profit, SBA-certified corporation set up to improve the economy of southeastern Massachusetts by assisting small businesses to start-up, expand and create new jobs. SEED’s role is twofold: 1) to assist and support small businesses in their start-up phase in order to help prepare them for traditional bank financing, and 2) to promote the growth and expansion of existing businesses by working with banks and the Small Business Administration to provide the best possible financing package. SEED’s Regional Office is located at 80 Dean Street, Taunton, MA 02780, telephone 508-822-1020, SEED website.

It is the mission of the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District to plan for the future of southeastern Massachusetts that includes expansion of economic opportunity, protection of natural and historic resources, and development of excellent physical and cultural amenities. SRPEDD focuses on the following areas: transportation, data collection, geographic information systems and comprehensive regional planning. SRPEDD is located at 88 Broadway (Route 138), Taunton. 508-824-1367. Visit the SRPEDD website.