Business Development Workshops

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Interactive Live and Online Workshops!

The Economic Opportunity and Development Division works with a variety of local organizations and professional groups to provide business development programs and services to Cambridge residents, entrepreneurs, and businesses. 

Click here for a list of previously recorded workshops and events that are now available for viewing.

Please note - Registrations close 2 HOURS BEFORE the workshop begins (unless otherwise noted below). Classes may be canceled or postponed due to lack of registration. Please call the Division at 617/349-4637 to check the status of a workshop.  

All workshops are free for Cambridge business owners and residents unless otherwise noted. If you have questions about our workshops, please contact Rona Abrahams at rabrahams@cambridgema.gov or 617/349-4637.     

January 

Steps to Starting a Business Workshop Series

Whether you're just starting out or already running a business, this workshop is for you! Over four weeks, we'll give you the practical skills to make your business run even better. We'll focus on what you need to learn to succeed. 

  • Dates: Tuesdays January 20-February 10, 2026
  • Time: 6:30 -  8:00 p.m.
  • Location: Central Square Public Library, 45 Pearl St., Cambridge, MA 
  • Free and open to all. 
  • Register here

This is the stuff you need to know to build a strong business.  You'll get a solid understanding of the basics, including:

  • Smart Inventory: How to keep track of what you have.
  • Understanding Your Costs: What it really costs to sell your products.
  • Money Matters: Simple ways to keep good financial records.
  • Cash Flow 101: Making sure you have enough money coming in.
  • Happy Customers: Simple steps to make your customers love you. 

Weekly topics include:

  • Workshop 1 (January 20): Foundation and Idea Validation
  • Workshop 2 (January 27): Market Strategy and Customer Acquisition
  • Workshop 3 (February 3): Accounting & Bookkeeping Management
  • Workshop 4 (February 10): Operational Efficiency and Inventory Management

Think of this as your essential business toolkit. If you're new to the business world, we'll give you the confidence and know-how to get started and grow. If you have any questions or issues with registration, contact Tyrone Fells at 617-349-7223 or tfells@cambridgema.gov. 

February

Are You Bankable? *POSTPONED*

Do you need traditional lending support for your growing business? This workshop will introduce you to key terms to prepare and understand if your business is “bankable” to traditional banks or other financial programs. This workshop will incorporate how banks determine whether you are bankable, what documents you will need to collect to apply, and how to tell your business’s story. Businesses should leave having a better understanding of how to talk about their business's numbers and present their story in a compelling manner. Presented by Zenagos. Eligible small businesses can participate in up to 4 hours of 1-on-1 coaching with Zenagos.

  • Who: New and Growing Businesses
  • Date: February 2, 2026, 6:00 -8:00 pm
  • Location: Cambridge City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, Second Floor Conference Room or Zoom
  • Registration Required. Register Here.

March

Grow Your Business with AI Workshop Series

Spend less time managing and more time growing your business! Join our two-part AI workshop series to simplify marketing and win contracts faster. Get a practical toolkit to implement AI on your own. Stop the busy work and start using AI to boost productivity and results.

Workshop #1: Automate Your Marketing with AI
Marketing takes a lot of time, and old tools can be slow and frustrating. In this workshop, we’ll show you how to use new AI tools to manage your digital marketing for you. You’ll practice how to set up AI to manage your online presence. Get a "how-to" guide so you can manage these tools on your own and spend your time looking for new business (like government contracting!) instead.

  • Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
  • Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Cambridge Public Library - Main Branch, 449 Broadway, Community Room

Workshop #2: Use AI to Win Government Contracts
Applying for government contracts (like with the City of Cambridge) can involve a lot of paperwork and documentation. You will practice using AI tools like Google Gemini and ChatGPT to gather data, respond to the request and organize the documents required. Get a "cheat sheet" of prompts (commands) that tell the AI exactly what to do so your applications are professional and ready to submit. 

  • Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
  • Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Cambridge Public Library - Main Branch, 449 Broadway, Community Room
  • Registration is required. Register Here.

Succession Planning Conversations: Local Stories about Selling Your Business

Join us for a coffee talk about small business succession planning. Hear stories from local businesses about their experience selling or buying their business. This event is best for small business owners and organizations that support small businesses. It is open to all and not limited to Cambridge.

This event is moderated by John Allen of Allen Business Advisors and sponsored by the Cambridge Community Development Department.

  • Date: Friday, March 13, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
  • Location: Sullivan Chamber, Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave.
  • Registration Required. Register Here.