Are you starting a business in New Bedford, Massachusetts? This article discusses the most important things to consider when opening a business in New Bedford.
Do You Have What It Takes?
Being an entrepreneur is difficult, and can be orders of magnitude more strenuous than working as an employee. Are you sure you have the stamina and skills to succeed on your own?
Because entrepreneurship is not for everyone, we recommend you do the following to help you assess whether you should move forward with starting a business:
- Talk to other entrepreneurs in New Bedford. Get their candid feedback on what it takes to start a successful business.
- We recommend reading Should You Become an Entrepreneur?. For aspiring new entrepreneurs, it's a must read article.
- Have a candid conversation with friends and family. A support network of family and friends can be a great sounding board for good advice before you decide for sure to go into business.
New Bedford, Massachusetts Demographic Information
New Bedford has an active business community that includes small businesses,
mid-sized businesses and large businesses.
To give you a better feel for New Bedford demographics for small businesses, we have tabulated the small business sizes, based on number of employees, for business in New Bedford.
| Business Size | # of
Businesses |
| 1-4 Employees |
6572 |
| 5-9 Employees |
2680 |
| 10-19 Employees |
1558 |
| 20-49 Employees |
1164 |
| 50-99 Employees |
366 |
| 100-249 Employees |
180 |
| 250-499 Employees |
60 |
| 500-999 Employees |
12 |
| 1000+ Employees |
6 |
| All New Bedford Businesses |
12598 |
As a new New Bedford entrepreneur, you may also be interested in the table below. It shows how many businesses there are in New Bedford for each business category. By looking at this chart, you can get
a general sense for how much competition there is in the business niche that
you are pursuing.
| Business Type |
# of
Businesses |
| Abrasive Product Manufacturing |
1 |
| Advertising Agencies |
1 |
| Ambulance Services |
1 |
| Appliance Repair and Maintenance |
2 |
| Architectural Services |
6 |
| Art Dealers |
1 |
| Automobile Driving Schools |
1 |
| Automotive Glass Replacement Shops |
4 |
| Automotive Parts and Accessories Stores |
12 |
| Automotive Transmission Repair |
2 |
| Baked Goods Stores |
1 |
| Beauty Salons |
13 |
| Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores |
21 |
| Boat Dealers |
3 |
| Book Publishers |
1 |
| Book Stores |
3 |
| Bowling Centers |
3 |
| Broadwoven Fabric Finishing Mills |
2 |
| Business Associations |
4 |
| Cable and Other Program Distribution |
1 |
| Cafeterias |
1 |
| Camera and Photographic Supplies Stores |
1 |
| Car Washes |
5 |
| Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services |
1 |
| Caterers |
3 |
| Cemeteries and Crematories |
2 |
| Charter Bus Industry |
2 |
| Child and Youth Services |
4 |
| Child Day Care Services |
32 |
| Children's and Infants' Clothing Stores |
1 |
| Civic and Social Organizations |
14 |
| Claims Adjusting |
4 |
| Coin-Operated Laundries and Drycleaners |
6 |
| Commercial Bakeries |
3 |
| Commercial Lithographic Printing |
2 |
| Commercial Photography |
1 |
| Commercial Screen Printing |
2 |
| Computer Systems Design Services |
6 |
| Computer Training |
1 |
| Consumer Lending |
1 |
| Convenience Stores |
21 |
| Convention and Trade Show Organizers |
1 |
| Convention and Visitors Bureaus |
1 |
| Copper Rolling, Drawing, and Extruding |
1 |
| Copper Wire (except Mechanical) Drawing |
1 |
| Cosmetology and Barber Schools |
2 |
| Couriers |
1 |
| Court Reporting and Stenotype Services |
1 |
| Credit Card Issuing |
1 |
| Credit Unions |
7 |
| Custom Compounding of Purchased Resins |
1 |
| Custom Computer Programming Services |
1 |
| Dental Laboratories |
1 |
| Diagnostic Imaging Centers |
1 |
| Diet and Weight Reducing Centers |
1 |
| Discount Department Stores |
1 |
| Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) |
43 |
| Drywall and Insulation Contractors |
12 |
| Educational Support Services |
2 |
| Electric Power Distribution |
1 |
| Electrical Contractors |
21 |
| Electronic Capacitor Manufacturing |
1 |
| Electronic Computer Manufacturing |
1 |
| Electronic Shopping |
2 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools |
3 |
| Employment Placement Agencies |
3 |
| Engineering Services |
13 |
| Environmental Consulting Services |
1 |
| Exterminating and Pest Control Services |
2 |
| Fabric Coating Mills |
1 |
| Family Clothing Stores |
1 |
| Family Planning Centers |
1 |
| Fine Arts Schools |
1 |
| Finfish Fishing |
57 |
| Finish Carpentry Contractors |
8 |
| Fish and Seafood Markets |
4 |
| Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers |
17 |
| Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers |
15 |
| Floor Covering Stores |
7 |
| Flooring Contractors |
2 |
| Florists |
8 |
| Food (Health) Supplement Stores |
2 |
| Food Service Contractors |
5 |
| Formal Wear and Costume Rental |
1 |
| Framing Contractors |
1 |
| Freight Transportation Arrangement |
2 |
| Fresh and Frozen Seafood Processing |
15 |
| Fruit and Vegetable Markets |
1 |
| Full-Service Restaurants |
82 |
| Funeral Homes and Funeral Services |
11 |
| Furniture Merchant Wholesalers |
1 |
| Furniture Stores |
6 |
| General Automotive Repair |
30 |
| General Freight Trucking, Local |
5 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals |
1 |
| General Rental Centers |
6 |
| General Warehousing and Storage |
3 |
| Gift, Novelty, and Souvenir Stores |
7 |
| Glass and Glazing Contractors |
3 |
| Golf Courses and Country Clubs |
2 |
| Grantmaking Foundations |
2 |
| Graphic Design Services |
1 |
| Hardware Merchant Wholesalers |
4 |
| Hardware Stores |
5 |
| Hazardous Waste Collection |
1 |
| Heating Oil Dealers |
6 |
| Historical Sites |
1 |
| Hobby, Toy, and Game Stores |
3 |
| Home Centers |
2 |
| Home Furnishing Merchant Wholesalers |
2 |
| Home Health Care Services |
3 |
| Home Health Equipment Rental |
1 |
| Homes for the Elderly |
1 |
| Household Appliance Stores |
4 |
| Ice Manufacturing |
1 |
| Industrial Launderers |
2 |
| Inland Water Freight Transportation |
1 |
| Insurance Agencies and Brokerages |
46 |
| Interior Design Services |
1 |
| Internet Service Providers |
2 |
| Interurban and Rural Bus Transportation |
1 |
| Janitorial Services |
11 |
| Jewelry Stores |
8 |
| Kidney Dialysis Centers |
1 |
| Land Subdivision |
3 |
| Landscaping Services |
12 |
| Limited-Service Restaurants |
53 |
| Limousine Service |
1 |
| Linen Supply |
1 |
| Livestock Merchant Wholesalers |
1 |
| Luggage Manufacturing |
1 |
| Machine Shops |
5 |
| Marinas |
1 |
| Marine Cargo Handling |
1 |
| Marketing Consulting Services |
1 |
| Masonry Contractors |
7 |
| Meat Markets |
3 |
| Meat Processed from Carcasses |
2 |
| Metal Stamping |
1 |
| Miscellaneous Intermediation |
1 |
| Mortgage and Nonmortgage Loan Brokers |
5 |
| Motor Vehicle Towing |
1 |
| Motorcycle Dealers |
2 |
| Museums |
4 |
| Musical Groups and Artists |
1 |
| Nail Salons |
5 |
| Narrow Fabric Mills |
2 |
| Natural Gas Distribution |
1 |
| New Car Dealers |
7 |
| New Housing Operative Builders |
4 |
| News Dealers and Newsstands |
1 |
| Newspaper Publishers |
2 |
| Nitrogenous Fertilizer Manufacturing |
1 |
| Nonresidential Property Managers |
3 |
| Nursing Care Facilities |
12 |
| Office Administrative Services |
3 |
| Office Equipment Merchant Wholesalers |
1 |
| Office Supplies and Stationery Stores |
1 |
| Offices of Certified Public Accountants |
9 |
| Offices of Chiropractors |
13 |
| Offices of Dentists |
32 |
| Offices of Lawyers |
96 |
| Offices of Optometrists |
3 |
| Offices of Podiatrists |
4 |
| Offices of Real Estate Appraisers |
2 |
| One-Hour Photofinishing |
1 |
| Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing |
2 |
| Optical Goods Stores |
1 |
| Packaging and Labeling Services |
1 |
| Paint and Coating Manufacturing |
1 |
| Paint and Wallpaper Stores |
2 |
| Painting and Wall Covering Contractors |
12 |
| Parking Lots and Garages |
1 |
| Passenger Car Leasing |
1 |
| Passenger Car Rental |
1 |
| Payroll Services |
1 |
| Pet and Pet Supplies Stores |
1 |
| Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services |
1 |
| Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals |
3 |
| Pharmacies and Drug Stores |
13 |
| Photography Studios, Portrait |
1 |
| Political Organizations |
1 |
| Portfolio Management |
3 |
| Professional Organizations |
2 |
| Public Relations Agencies |
1 |
| Quick Printing |
3 |
| Radio Stations |
2 |
| Real Estate Credit |
4 |
| Real Estate Investment Trusts |
1 |
| Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage |
3 |
| Residential Property Managers |
3 |
| Residential Remodelers |
16 |
| Retail Bakeries |
8 |
| Reupholstery and Furniture Repair |
1 |
| Rolled Steel Shape Manufacturing |
2 |
| Roofing Contractors |
7 |
| Savings Institutions |
17 |
| Scheduled Freight Air Transportation |
1 |
| Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation |
1 |
| School and Employee Bus Transportation |
8 |
| Seafood Canning |
3 |
| Securities Brokerage |
6 |
| Security Guards and Patrol Services |
1 |
| Septic Tank and Related Services |
2 |
| Sewage Treatment Facilities |
1 |
| Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing |
2 |
| Shellfish Fishing |
35 |
| Ship Building and Repairing |
1 |
| Shoe Stores |
2 |
| Siding Contractors |
7 |
| Sign Manufacturing |
2 |
| Site Preparation Contractors |
8 |
| Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars |
24 |
| Solid Waste Collection |
3 |
| Special Needs Transportation |
4 |
| Sporting Goods Stores |
6 |
| Sports and Recreation Instruction |
2 |
| Tax Preparation Services |
9 |
| Taxi Service |
4 |
| Telecommunications Resellers |
1 |
| Temporary Help Services |
6 |
| Temporary Shelters |
2 |
| Textile Bag Mills |
1 |
| Textile Machinery Manufacturing |
2 |
| Tile and Terrazzo Contractors |
2 |
| Tire and Tube Merchant Wholesalers |
2 |
| Tire Dealers |
3 |
| Tobacco Stores |
2 |
| Tour Operators |
2 |
| Travel Agencies |
3 |
| Used Car Dealers |
15 |
| Used Household and Office Goods Moving |
4 |
| Used Merchandise Stores |
4 |
| Vending Machine Operators |
1 |
| Veterinary Services |
2 |
| Video Tape and Disc Rental |
5 |
| Vocational Rehabilitation Services |
3 |
| Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers |
7 |
| Wired Telecommunications Carriers |
7 |
| Women's Clothing Stores |
4 |
| Wood Window and Door Manufacturing |
1 |
| Zoos and Botanical Gardens |
1 |
Is a Franchise Opportunity Right For You?
As you drive around New Bedford, it's apparent that franchising has become a very popular way to start a business. But is franchising the right option for you?
Our recommendation is that you evaluate the possibility of your buying a franchise opportunity. We have many articles on franchises, such as Franchisees Versus Licensees. Get a thorough education on franchising by browsing all of our Articles on Franchising.
To learn about specific franchise opportunities, check out our Franchise Directory.
Representative franchise opportunities include Candy Bouquet and Fun Bus. Alternatively, you can browse franchise categories, such as Cleaning and Maintenance Franchises and Personal Services Franchises.
Note on New Bedford Franchise Opportunities: You will need to contact franchisors directly to see if their franchises are available in New Bedford.
Forming a Company in New Bedford, Massachusetts
It's very important that your business is formed as a legal entity that is separate from its owners. Doing so will shield you from personal liability for business debts and obligations.
When forming a company, you will select one of many company types, such as a traditional C-corporation, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), or an S-corporation.
Incorporating is a very popular way to form a business. Of course, you have to decide which type of corporation to form and where to incorporate. If you are starting a business in Massachusetts, you don't necessarily have to incorporate in Massachusetts. In fact, you are allowed to incorporate wherever you want. However, if you do incorporate in another state, you'll have to register as a foreign corporation in your home state.
There are many nuances to forming a company. We recommend you read some of the educational articles about company formation that are availabe on our site, such as LLC Advantages. You may also want to seek the advice of an attorney. On a final note, since you will be starting a business in New Bedford, Massachusetts, our web page covering Incorporating in Massachusetts may be a useful resource if you decide to incorporate in Massachusetts.
Marketing Your New Startup
To grow your New Bedford business, you need a great marketing plan.
There are myriad resources on this site to help you with your marketing plan. Dealing with Angry Customers is an article that will stimulate a few thoughts on your marketing plan. That's just one of the many useful articles we have on Marketing a Small Business.
Advancing Your Entrepreneurial Skills
Good entrepreneurs recognize that they don't know everything.
With your business being located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, you should get information on some of the many programs available at nearby Massachusetts universities, colleges and community colleges. Another way to keep up on your entrepreneurial education is to investigate networking organizations for New Bedford entrepreneurs.
Now It's Up To You
As an entrepreneur in New Bedford, you won't be working for the boss anymore. You are the boss.
Owning your own business will be a daunting task, but you can do it.
Our goal here is to promote the vitality and growth of small businesses in New Bedford and throughout the United States . We believe entrepreneurship is an amazing engine for job creation in New Bedford, neighborhood development and overall economic health.
More Entrepreneurial Resources for Starting a Business in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Here are more links that we believe will help you be successful in starting a business in New Bedford.
- Resources for New Bedford, Massachusetts Entrepreneurs - Browse a variety of resources we've collected to assist New Bedford entrepreneurs.
- Massachusetts Entrepreneurial Resources - We've gathered state-level entrepreneurial resources to help new entrepreneurs who are based in Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts Small Business Development Center - The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Network provides one-to-one free comprehensive and confidential services focusing on, business growth and strategies, financing and loan assistance as well as strategic, marketing and operational analysis.
- New Bedford, Massachusetts Newspaper Ad Rates - This is a nearly comprehensive list of advertising rates for New Bedford, Massachusetts newspapers, including ad costs for newspapers serving the New Bedford area.
- New Bedford, Massachusetts Radio Advertising Prices - To help you in your marketing efforts, we've gathered radio advertising rates for New Bedford, Massachusetts area radio stations.
- New Bedford, Massachusetts Payroll Services - This list includes New Bedford, Massachusetts payroll services, national payroll services for New Bedford, and helpful information on choosing a New Bedford payroll service.
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