Small Business Enhancement Program

1369 Coffeehouse After Grant

The Small Business Enhancement (SBE) Program is a reimbursement grant program that helps eligible retail, food, home-based and creative for-profit businesses purchase equipment and materials associated with growing their business in Cambridge. The Program's goal is to assist Cambridge's business owners with technical and financial assistance to build a stronger customer base and boost sales. Business owners can apply every three years. 

This is a first come, first served program. Applicants are encouraged to have all materials prepared as early as possible. If applicants request changes after receiving confirmation from the Program Manager, then CDD will return the application to the end of the queue. CDD cannot guarantee that applications with changes will receive funding this fiscal year.  

Program Overview

The Small Business Enhancement Program (SBE) entails two parts:

Part I - Confirm Program Eligibility. Complete an Eligibility Form and then participate in an Exploration Conversation with the Program Manager to confirm your eligibility and to discuss the desired business improvements. Eligibility form for this round is due March 2, 2026.

Documents/information required:

    You must complete Part I before moving on to Part II. 

Part II - Apply for the grant, which includes completing a full application and providing quotes for your desired improvements. Fully completed applications and quotes are due March 16, 2026. Incomplete applications or changes to applications will not be accepted after March 16, 2026.

Example documents/information required:

  • Two detailed written quotes for each improvement item from qualified contractors and/or vendors
  • Written permission signed by the building/condo owner to make improvements to the leased property (if a brick and mortar business)
  • Various forms (e.g. CORI form, Certificate of Authority, Tax Compliance, and W-9)
  • Other possible documents depending on requested improvements

Grant Opportunities

  • Home-based and Co-working-based Businesses - Marketing and Software Grant - A reimbursement grant (up to $2,000, subject to availability of federal funding) for new marketing (including event costs), software, and other needs. This grant is available for viable HUD-eligible home-based businesses. Click here for a list of eligible marketing and software improvements. 
  • Brick and Mortar Businesses - Equipment-Marketing Grant -  A reimbursement grant (up to $8,000, subject to availability of federal funding) for new equipment or marketing. This grant is only available to viable HUD-eligible brick and mortar businesses, meaning businesses that hold commercial leases of one year or more. Click here for a list of eligible equipment and marketing improvements.

Please click here for a list of non-eligible business improvements. 

Eligibility & Next Steps

Click here to review the program's eligibility guidelines. You will receive a grant application by program staff once your business is confirmed as eligible. The eligibility form is due March 2, 2026. 

Completed applications will be evaluated for compliance with funding priorities. Grants are subject to availability of federal funding. This program is funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is subject to their rules and regulations.

For More Information

If you have general questions about the program or need assistance, please contact Jared Staley at jstaley@cambridgema.gov or 617/349-4616.