Small Business

Worcester has improved in a ranking for small business friendliness that placed the city second in New England, falling behind Manchester, N.H. but beating Boston and Providence.

A new survey commissioned by the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company found a lack of succession planning among businesses with less than half of those surveyed having a buy-sell agreement in place.

Two young farmers in Berlin have purchased a farm in Holden where they plan to raise a variety of livestock.

Massachusetts will receive $500,000 from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to boost export opportunities, the federal agency announced Monday.

In the classic science fiction novel "Dune," a master assassin named Thufir Hawat reminds Paul, the story's hero, “The first step in avoiding a trap is to know of its existence.” The same is true of risks to family businesses.

By all indications, the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates by the end of this year, marking the first time in eight years rates will move north. But would that lead to a slowdown in business?

Thorough market research is essential to the success of new products or services. In an entrepreneurial environment, it's even more crucial as resources are scarce and time to market is critical. Here's how to do it right.

When Robert Fecteau wanted to test the market for his own bread recipes while working for Five Loaves Bakery in Spencer, he didn't turn to his own storefront or online sales. Rather, he brought his products to the Crompton Collective farmers market in Worcester's Canal District.

These Central Massachusetts businesses filed incorporation papers with the Massachusetts Secretary of State's Office from April 1-15, 2015.

Brendan O'Connor, the owner of O'Connors Restaurant in Worcester, isn't upset that the state will make his business offer paid sick days to all employees starting July 1. It will mean higher costs that he'll have to pass on to customers, he said, but he doesn't take issue with the idea.