Micro-businesses and sole proprietorships generally have little need for conventional office and industrial spaces.  Many work out of their own home or studios; others share office space with other small businesses.  A new generation of “virtual” business incubators (such as the Enterprise Center at Salem State College) serve as resource facilities where member businesses access services, meeting space, and training, without necessarily having their desk at that location.  

Despite the interest in home-based businesses and support facilities, barriers remain due to land use controls and lack of resources.  Many municipalities still have zoning prohibitions on home offices.  Zoning may also inadvertently discourage the creation of small studio and office spaces in town centers, due to dimensional requirements, parking standards, use limitations, or other constraints.  While a good supply of artist studio and live/work space is only one component of the larger creative economy strategy, it can help to catalyze urban revitalization built around creative activities.

11.a    MAPC should seek funding and collaborators to develop and disseminate “best practices” for municipal regulation of home-based businesses and live/work spaces

11.b    Public institutions of higher education and chambers of commerce should seek opportunities to replicate the Enterprise Center model in other portions of the region

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