Useful Links for Business


Business Development

Looking to start a new business? You came to the right place.
The Town has access to several resources that can help you start your business from scratch.
Check out the links below:


Step-by-Step, Forming Your Business
The Commonwealth has step-by-step instructions that help with forming your new business.
These range from learning how to write a business plan to finding out which licenses your business would need. 

Funding Sources
Need funding for your business? There are several loans, grants, and opportunities geared towards funding local businesses.
Check out the Massachusetts funding sources page to find out more.

Certify as a Minority or Woman-Owned Business
The Commonwealth makes it free to get certified as a minority or Woman-Owned Business.
Applying for diversity certification as a Massachusetts based business also includes veteran certified business status.

Looking for resources and services for your business?
The Massachusetts Business Portal can provide all the help that you need.



Doing Business in Ware

Ware is a business friendly Town while providing assistance and resources to local businesses. 
Check out the links below to see what resources are at your disposal:

File Business Taxes
Learn how to register your business with MassTaxConnect (DOR's web-based application for filing and paying taxes).
You can also learn how to apply for an Employee Identification Number (EIN), request a certificate of good standing, or find out about the latest business tax credits.


Register Your Business
Need to register your business with the Commonwealth? 
Click the link above to New Business Certificate Request Form.

Ware Planning & Community Development Dept.
The Ware Planning and Community Development Department can provide you with a great deal of help. 
Whether it's learning about permitting, zoning, or registering your business. 
The Ware Planning and Community Development Department is here to help!


Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is the governing authority that deals with issues of zoning.
They meet on a rolling basis depending on when zoning appeals are filed with the Town Clerk.



Permits, Forms & Fees
Below are useful links for forms and fees that you will need for your business.
These include board of health forms, building permit fees, and even a link to Ware's Zoning Bylaws:

Forms & Applications (Board of Health)
The Board of Health has several forms (depending on the type of business you have) that are needed in order to open up in Ware.
These include various food business forms, farmer's market applications, tanning salon, and even body art establishments (tattoo artist).

Building Department Fees
The Ware Building Department has a list of fees regarding the type of building project and inspections. 
If you are planning on realtering your existing building, adding free standing structures (fences, sheds), or decks and awnings, be sure to check in with the Building Department beforehand.

Forms & Applications(Plumbing)
If you are looking to have plumbing work done, make sure to fill out an application and submit it to the Plumbing Inspector.
Submitting an application is required for new plumbing fixtures.

Public Works Forms
The Ware Department of Public Works (DPW) has forms including driveway-street entrance applications, building sewer applications, and even water service connection applications.

Zoning Bylaw
If you are curious about what type of business you can have on your property, the Ware Zoning Bylaws has all of the information that you need. The Zoning Bylaws include information such as allowed uses, dimension and lot size regulations. If you have any questions regarding zoning, feel free to reach out to the Ware Department of Planning and Community Development.


Useful Resources
The State and greater Quaboag Valley region have several resources available to potential and current business owners:

Quaboag Valley Chamber of Commerce
The Quaboag Valley Chamber of Commerce is a useful resource for businesses that plan on running their operations in Ware.
The Chamber of Commerce provides a strong network for businesses in the region.

Mass Office of Business Development
The Massachusetts Office of Business Development assists businesses relocating to Massachusetts as well as businesses wishing to expand their current operations, with specific attention being paid to jobs created, jobs retained, and capital invested. The office of business development provides a highly responsive, central point of contact that facilitates access to resources, expertise, and incentive programs.

Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network
Run by UMass Amherst, the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network (MSBDC) is the leader in providing small business owners and entrepreneurs in Massachusetts with the tools and guidance needed to become successful in today's challenging economic climate. MSBDC provides free and confidential one-to-one business advice to prospective and existing small businesses focusing on: business growth and strategies, financing and loan assistance as well as strategic, marketing and operational analysis. In addition, low-cost educational training programs are offered across the state targeted to the needs of small business.

Small Business Administration
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) is the largest resource available to business owners. The SBA provides a range of services including consultation, education, and funding opportunities. If you are a new or potential business owner in Ware, the SBA is a useful resource to check out. 

Ware Business & Civic Association
The Ware Business and Civic Association was formed in 2011 to transform Ware into a destination point for visitors while acting as a resource to local businesses.
They offer free seminars to help businesses and typically meet the third Wednesday of each month. The Ware Business and Civic Association also hosts a “Meet and Greet” which provides local businesses an opportunity to gather in an informal setting.

Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation
Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC) is a member-based, non-profit organization committed to economic development and helping small businesses grow and prosper. Serving the 15 towns of the Quaboag Region and Southern Worcester County, QVCDC and its partner organization, Quaboag Valley Business Assistance Corporation (QVBAC) offer many  programs and services with a focus on community and economic development and supporting small business in the region.