The Healey-Driscoll Administration set its sights on elevating Massachusetts as a prime business location with the introduction of two digital initiatives intended to streamline the process for companies looking to establish or grow their presence in the state. The first of these, the “Business Front Door,” aims to provide personalized guidance on state funding options and incentives in a simplified digital format. Alongside it has been launched “Why Massachusetts,” a website marketing the state’s business-friendly features.
The Business Front Door platform takes its directive from a recommendation within the administration’s economic plan from 2023, and operates in conjunction with measures laid out by the Mass Leads Act, signed last November. According to a statement obtained by mass.gov, Governor Maura Healey said, “These new tools promote what we in Massachusetts already know: that this is one of the best places in the world to do business.” The objective is to usher in a personalized, and technology-forward business engagement that prioritizes “clarity, efficiency and personalization,” which underscores the administration’s devotion to a competitive business environment.
Emphasizing the state’s distinguished standing in various fields such as life sciences, artificial intelligence, climatetech, and advanced manufacturing; the “Why Massachusetts” site paints a picture of the state as not merely a location, but a confluence of innovation, sheer talent, and high quality of life. The site backs its claims with top rankings in sectors crucial to businesses such as education, healthcare, and access to global markets. This digital initiative underlines the abundance of world-class research institutions and a highly-educated workforce which the state offers.
Complementing the efforts of the “Why Massachusetts” site, the Business Front Door acts as a streamlined, all-encompassing platform for business and entrepreneurs, providing them with easy access to various state resources. Upon entering the portal, businesses are paired with a “Navigator” from Team Massachusetts who serves as a consistent point of contact, guiding them through potential issues and queries as they explore what the state has to offer. MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal told mass.gov, “Our team is pleased that these new websites will make it easier for businesses, nonprofits, and cities and towns to learn about and access available resources, enhancing our ability to foster job creation and economic investment all across Massachusetts.”
In line with making comprehensive guidance and support more readily available for businesses, the Economic Development Interim Secretary Ashley Stolba stated that the new platform will serve every type of business from “emerging startups in life sciences to established enterprises in manufacturing.” The digital concierge service of the Business Front Door includes a portal through which businesses can submit questions and receive direct responses from Team Massachusetts, connecting them to critical information, advisors, and partners that can bolster their growth.
