Think of the places that make your town feel like home. Chances are, a local shop or restaurant came to mind. Experience an authentic Massachusetts like a local. Our Main Streets would love to see you. Eat local. Stay local. Shop local.

Who is local?

It’s the coffee shop that wakes you up in the morning. The jeweler with that perfect gift. The corner market that’s always open. These are the locally owned businesses that give character to our cities and towns. They employ our neighbors and put money back into the community. And they’re the ones that need our business the most.

Local businesses bring out the charm and character in our neighborhoods. But they do a lot more. By choosing local, you are creating jobs in your community, fostering growth, and doing good for the environment. Here are the facts.

  • 126K Local drives opportunity In 2019, 125,998 people across the Commonwealth were employed by minority-owned businesses
  • 99.5% Local is good for growth Main streets and locally owned businesses drive our economy and our workforce. 99.5% of businesses in MA are small businesses, employing 1.5 million people.
  • 54K Local creates jobs By shopping local you are helping to create new jobs. In 2019, small businesses were responsible for 53,980 net new jobs in MA. 46% of employees in MA work for a small business.

By now it should be clear: local matters. The good news is, you can make a difference. Find local businesses in your area – not just in your town, but across the state. Whether you shop in person, go to a restaurant, or order online, think local first. And when you travel, think about exploring your own backyard – right here in Massachusetts.

You can also spread the word. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Show your support online. Help everyone in your network understand that local is good for all of us.

Find your local MA.

No matter where you go in Massachusetts, you’re a local. Use the links below to find local shops, restaurants, and attractions across the state. You can also go to VisitMA.com to learn more about planning local experiences across these regions.

Local Chambers and industry groups are great resources for discovering new favorite businesses in your community.

Connect with local chambers of commerce and business groups

Local stories

Small businesses across MA are finding their way and exploring new ways to connect with customers. Read their stories. Get inspired. And find out what you can do to support them.

For local businesses and organizations

If you own or work at a local business, or are part of a local business group, you can help spread the word about the impact that local shops, restaurants, and attractions have on our way of life in Massachusetts.

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