The New England colonies were largely financed by English Puritans who were seeking to establish a new society based on their religious beliefs. These Puritans formed joint-stock companies, such as the Massachusetts Bay Company, to raise the capital needed to finance their expeditions to the New World. The investors in these companies were reimbursed for their expenses from the profits of the colonies, which were generated from a variety of sources, including agriculture, fishing, and trade. The New England colonies also benefited from the support of the English government, which provided financial and military assistance during their early years.