MASSACHUSETTS - A new statewide initiative looks to improve the Massachusetts' economic competitiveness and make it easier to do businesses in the Commonwealth. It's being touted as 'Massachusetts Means Business,' and Governor Maura Healey says the state is cutting 'red tape' to help local companies not just survive, but thrive.

A 2025 survey from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations spoke to members of the business community. 33% of respondents said increased operational costs was the top regulatory challenge affecting their business.

Healey's office says with this initiative, a quarter of all regulations under the oversight of the OCABR and its agencies will be slashed.

A number of industries will be immediately impacted by these adjustments including cosmetology and barbershops, the financial services industry, and grocery stores.

Healey says the ultimate goal is keeping businesses in Massachusetts.

"So we learned that, grocery stores have to follow these really absurd rules about font size and color size," Healey said. "We've been in this computer age now for a while here in Massachusetts, and yet we still have banks and insurance companies required to file stuff by paper. All right. Nothing wrong with paper, but that's not where the world is. Bottom line is that these changes are going to save businesses time. They're going to save businesses money. And you know who's going to benefit; customers."

The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce applauding the move, saying in a statement, "We consistently hear from our members and prospective businesses looking to locate in the region about unnecessary regulatory hurdles and red tape that hinder their ability to start, expand, and streamline operations here in the Commonwealth."

The Chamber going on to say this is a meaningful step to address barriers, making not just the region, but the whole state more accessible.