State Launches Two Initiatives to Attract Businesses

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BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration has launched two initiatives to strengthen Massachusetts' position as a top destination for businesses: the Business Front Door, a digital-focused platform designed to connect businesses with personalized guidance to navigate state funding opportunities and incentives, and Why Massachusetts, a new website designed to attract businesses to locate and grow in the state. 
 
The Business Front Door was a recommendation from the administration's 2023 economic development plan and will leverage the resources and policy tools developed in collaboration with the state Legislature as part of the nearly $4 billion economic development bill, the Mass Leads Act, which Gov. Maura Healey signed in November 2024. 
 
"These new tools promote what we in Massachusetts already know: that this is one of the best places in the world to do business," said Healey. "With the launch of the Why Massachusetts website and the Business Front Door, we are ushering in a new era of technology-forward business engagement that prioritizes clarity, efficiency and personalization, and underscores our administration's commitment to fostering a competitive business environment."
 
Why Massachusetts promotes the state's global leadership in innovation, talent and quality of life while showcasing the key industry sectors where Massachusetts leads, including life sciences, artificial intelligence, climate tech and advanced manufacturing. The site highlights the data-driven reasons why businesses thrive in Massachusetts, including top rankings in education, health care, and quality of life; world-class research institutions; a highly educated workforce; and access to global markets.  
 
Complementing the site, the Business Front Door is a streamlined platform that serves as a one-stop shop for business owners and entrepreneurs looking to start, expand or relocate to Massachusetts. This new platform provides a clear pathway for businesses to work with "Team Massachusetts," which includes the Executive Office of Economic Development, its quasi-government economic development partners, and other agencies and offices across state government focused on supporting businesses.  
 
"We have heard from businesses across Massachusetts that they need a simpler way to learn about and access state resources, and these new tools address that by streamlining our efforts to support businesses into one user-friendly online platform," said Economic Development interim Secretary Ashley Stolba. "The Business Front Door ensures that every type of business across every industry, from emerging startups in life sciences to established enterprises in manufacturing, can receive comprehensive guidance and support from our administration."
 
The Business Front Door offers businesses a full concierge service that involves a user-friendly online portal through which they can access a tailored list of resources such as grant funding, loans, and technical assistance. Each business that enters the Business Front Door portal is assigned a "Navigator" from Team Massachusetts who will serve as a single point of contact for the business, offering guidance on issues and questions as they explore state resources.  
 
Within the concierge portal, the businesses can submit questions about their needs and a member of Team Massachusetts will respond directly. The portal also connects owners with key information, advisors and partners that can support their growth, and it opens virtual office hours for all businesses. 
 
Visit www.mass.gov/BFD for more information.

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North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Jenna Thomas has participated in the Special Olympics for more than 20 years, earning numerous medals. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Special Olympian Jenna Thomas was recognized at City Council on Tuesday for her medal-winning performance at the 2026 games last month in Minnesota.
 
"I think it's so appropriate as I'm about to proclaim Disabilities Pride Month that we recognize and honor Jenna," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who had Thomas join her at the podium."
 
Thomas was one of nearly 3,000 athletes who participated in the 2026 Special Olympics, which brought nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country to celebrate the talents, determinations, and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She won bronze as a member of the Berkshire County Arc Titans bowling team, a fourth in doubles with teammate Katherine Meunier and placed in the top 10 for singles nationally.
 
She's been participating in Special Olympics since her teenage years, competing in cross country skiing, track and field since 2009. Thomas switched to bowling in 2019 and has won gold; she was recognized by the mayor in 2023 for her athletic accomplishments representing Massachusetts and North Adams. 
 
"Look at how beautiful that is — a bronze medal in bowling and placed fourth in the doubles competition, demonstrating her dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship on the national stage," said the mayor. "She also got to meet the governor's partner, Joanna [Lydgate], who we went out with for ice cream. ...
 
"In returning home, she credited her participation to the friendships she's made and the joy of competing ... her accomplishments are a source of pride for the city of North Adams and should serve as an inspiration for the entire community."
 
The mayor also presented $730,741.06 in end-of-year transfers. These transfers are made from accounts with excess funds to accounts that have gone over. Every line with the exception of snow and ice must be balanced for the end of the year.
 
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