Business & Entrepreneurship
Helping Lynn’s businesses start, grow, and thrive
Lynn Main Streets’ Business & Entrepreneurship programs are designed to uplift the small businesses that power our downtown. Through one‑on‑one guidance, professional storytelling, technical assistance workshops, and visibility‑boosting initiatives, we provide entrepreneurs with the tools, connections, and support they need to grow. Our work centers equity—prioritizing minority‑owned, women‑owned, and first‑time businesses—and strengthens Lynn’s commercial corridors by investing directly in the people who make them vibrant. From idea to expansion, we’re committed to helping local businesses build stability, increase visibility, and thrive in a dynamic, resilient local economy.
Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program
The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program is a hands-on, small business support initiative designed to strengthen entrepreneurs and existing businesses in downtown Lynn. Through personalized, one-on-one guidance, Lynn Main Streets connects business owners with experienced professionals who provide practical tools, strategic insight, and ongoing support.
Our Entrepreneur in Residence works with innovators through all stages - from idea to expansion - offering assistance in areas such as:
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Business planning and goal setting
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Financial organization and projections
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Marketing and branding strategy
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Licensing and permitting navigation
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Accessing capital and grant opportunities
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Operational systems and growth planning
This program is rooted in accessibility and equity. We prioritize supporting small businesses, minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, and first-time entrepreneurs who may face barriers to traditional resources.
By providing consistent, relationship-based support, the EIR Program helps local businesses stabilize, grow, and thrive, strengthening Lynn’s commercial corridors and contributing to long-term economic vitality.
The Entrepreneur in Residence Program is made possible through funding from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Eastern Bank, and generous individual donors. The program operates in strong partnership with Incubate Co-working Lynn, whose collaborative space and entrepreneurial network help create a supportive environment for innovation and growth.
Interested in working with our Entrepreneur in Residence?
Contact us to learn more about eligibility and upcoming office hours.
Small Business Workshops &
Technical Assistance
Lynn Main Streets offers a wide range of small business technical assistance workshops, designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of growth. These workshops provide practical, hands-on guidance on topics essential to sustaining and growing a successful business, including:
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Business planning and strategy
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Marketing, branding, and social media
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Financial management and budgeting
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Licensing, permitting, and regulatory compliance
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Accessing funding, grants, and capital resources
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Customer service, operations, and workforce development
Workshops are offered both in-person and virtually, making it easy for local entrepreneurs to participate regardless of schedule or location. Each session is led by experienced professionals and local experts who bring real-world insights and actionable outcomes.
These workshops are made possible through strong partnerships with Entredupe Productions and Millennium Latino Project, helping us reach diverse entrepreneurs and provide culturally responsive, practical business support.
Link to our youtube page?
Business Highlight Program
Lynn Main Street’s Business Highlight program showcases the stories, products, and services of small businesses in downtown Lynn through high-quality, professional video content at no cost to the businesses.
Through this initiative, we partner with local videographer Francois Visuals to produce short-form video content to help businesses connect with new customers, increase visibility, and promote their unique offerings. Each video captures the spirit and personality of the business while highlighting the vibrant and diverse commercial corridors of Lynn.
By supporting local entrepreneurs with professional marketing tools and storytelling, the Business Highlight program strengthens the city’s small business ecosystem, celebrates local talent, and drives economic growth from within the community.
Behind the Hustle
As part of our Business Highlight program, Behind the Hustle is a special project that goes beyond traditional marketing. Partnering with Old Soul Young World, these short videos give viewers an inside look at the hard work, creativity, and dedication of Lynn’s entrepreneurs and innovators. Behind the Hustle celebrates the people driving our local economy and shares the stories behind their businesses - the challenges, triumphs, and everyday hustle that make
Lynn’s small business community so dynamic.
Watch Video from Ferns (Economic Development Commercials)
More information on Behind the Hustle