Grow in North Adams

As the most affordable city in Massachusetts, North Adams provides an attractive opportunity for business expansion or for startups to reduce their costs while enhancing quality of life.

North Adams is a compact, walkable city in the Northern Berkshires offering a rare combination of affordability, culture, outdoor recreation and access to business opportunities.

Surrounded by mountains, trails, and scenic landscapes, North Adams offers unparalleled access to outdoor recreation alongside world-class arts and culture anchored by MASS MoCA.

With a strong and growing regional tourism economy that brings year-round visitors, North Adams represents a compelling market for investors seeking value, vibrancy, and long-term growth potential.

A scenic view of a small American town with historic buildings, church steeples, and lush green hills under a clear blue sky.
GET IN TOUCH

Success Stories

Featured
Roxie’s Barkery
Roxie’s Barkery

Roxie’s Barkery is a woman-owned, family-operated pet boutique and Barkery focused on bringing high-quality, thoughtfully sourced products to pets and their people. They specialize in all-natural dog treats and baked goods, handmade right in our on-site commercial kitchen, enrichment products, dog food, wellness products & more. 
Owner McKenna Burzimati started her business in 2020 out of her love of her dog, Roxie, as well as her desire to give her healthier, better-quality treats.

Read more →
Hexagon Bagels
Hexagon Bagels

At the heart of Hexagon's offering is a commitment to slow, intentional craft. The bagels are naturally leavened and hand-rolled with a focus on choosing ingredients with exceptional care. The menu also leans into regional produce, incorporating seasonal and local ingredients from nearby farms whenever possible. Hexagon has made Boston.com's list of the best bagels in Massachusetts — notably the only Berkshire establishment to appear on that list!

Read more →
Freia Fine Handpaint Yarns
Freia Fine Handpaint Yarns

Freia is a woman-owned small business specializing in handcrafted, hand-dyed yarn made from merino and wool produced in the U.S. They have earned a devoted following in the fiber arts community, used by knitters, crocheters, and fiber enthusiasts around the world.

Read more →

Resources for Small Businesses

  • You are bound to have a ton of questions about starting your business, so start getting some of them answered by contacting one of the following business assistance programs:

  • There are a variety of grant and loan programs available in the Berkshires and from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to help you get your business started or to expand your business.

    • Berkshire Funding Focus 

      If you are unfamiliar with grants as a funding option for your business, this is a greate place to start learning about grants, available grants and how to apply for them.
      Learn More

    • MassDevelopment

      Discover available grants, small business resources, technical assistance programs and other funding options.
      Learn More

    • Franklin County CDC 

      Provide loans between $5,000 and $250,000 to both existing and start-up businesses with a focus on job creation.
      Learn More

    • 504 Loan Program 

      The Small Business Administration provides long-term, fixed rate financing of up to $5 million for major fixed assets.
      Learn More

    • Common Capital 

      A non-profit community loan fund and Small Business Administration microlender offering fixed-rate loans from $1,000 to $300,000.
      Learn More

  • City of North Adams Permitting + Licenses Guide 

    Resource to help you learn about all the permits you may need to start or expand your business including permits for building, health, zoning,  environmental and industry-specific licenses. Learn More

    Business Certificate 

    To legally conduct your business in North Adams, you will need to register your business with the Office of the City Clerk. Complete Application

  • Stay up to date about the latest business news, opportunities and events in North Adams be signing up for the following newsletters:

    • 1Berkshire

      Receive updates about events happening throughout Berkshire County, information about local economic trends, opportunities to promote your business and networking events.

    • North Adams Chamber

      Get information about all the local networking events, funding opportunities, business trainings  and other resources. 

    • Discover North Adams

      Get weekly updates about all the local happenings in and around North Adams, including business, art, outdoor recreation, community and music events.

    • Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

      Get updates about local community needs, events and ways to get involved to support the local community of North Adams. 

    • iBerkshires

      Find out about new business openings, expansions and other business updates throughout Berkshire County.

    • Living Local 413

      Get updates on how to connect with and collaborate with other local businesses throughout Western Massachusetts.

  • HIRING

    TRAINING

    • Commonwealth Corporation

      The Express Program offers quick, easy grants for workforce training, helping Massachusetts businesses adapt, upskill, and thrive in changing conditions.

    • ServeSafe Training Programs

      ServeSafe training programs are offered throughout the Commonwealth by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. Learn More 

    • Retail Training Certifications

      The National Retail Foundation provides a variety of training certifications for your employees from retail fundamentals to customer service to the business of retail. Learn More

    • On-the-Job training
      MassHire’s On-the-Job Training (OJT) program helps employers hire and train new workers by reimbursing a portion of wages during a structured training period. Learn More


    HOUSING

    • Furnished Finder
      A nationwide platform connecting renters with furnished, 30+ day rentals, originally created for traveling healthcare professionals. It offers over 300,000 listings, no booking fees for renters, and direct landlord communication, filling the gap between short-term rentals and traditional leases for flexible, mid-term housing needs.  Learn More

  • FINANCIAL SERVICES

    ACCOUNTING SERVICES

    ATTORNEYS

    Grandchamp Law Offices

    Rumbolt Law

    Donovan O'Connor & Dodig, LLP

    Campoli, Monteleone & Mozian, P.C.

  • Browse available commercial properties in North Adams and the surrounding region on LoopNet, the most widely used commercial real estate marketplace. Search available properties

Not sure where to start? That's what we're here for.