Celebrate and Support Black-Owned Businesses This August for National Black Business Month

The City Hosts Networking Opportunities for Local Business Owners


7/29/2025 • 4 months ago

a colorful storefront set against a black cityscape scene with the words National Black Business Month August

This August, Cambridge is proud to celebrate National Black Business Month. We're highlighting the important contributions of Black entrepreneurs who strengthen our community and our country's economy.

Black business owners show incredible determination as they build their businesses. They continue to invent, create jobs, and enrich our community while facing institutional racism. When you support a Black-owned business, you’re helping to build a stronger, more equitable community for everyone.

All are welcome! Join us in celebrating and supporting our Black business community.

  • Buy Black: Make an effort to shop and dine at Black-owned businesses all year, not just in August. 
  • Connect and Learn: We're hosting events throughout the month, including a Small Business open house and networking opportunities. These events are open to everyone who wants to build stronger connections with Black entrepreneurs and their allies. 
  • Find Your Next Favorite Business: You can discover great local Black-owned businesses using the Cambridge Business Diversity Directory. 

Spread the word on social media! Find images you can use by clicking here: National Black Business Month Social Media Images. Use the tags #BuyBlack #CambMA #ShopCambMA. Don't forget to tag the business!

Our celebration of National Black Business Month is part of the Economic Opportunity and Development Division's (EODD) work to create a long-lasting economy that works for everyone, especially for entrepreneurs who face systemic challenges. We also celebrate May as National Small Business Month and Asian American Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian Month as well as Women’s Business Month in October. 

National Black Business Month was started in 2004 by Frederick Jordan and John William Templeton to honor and empower Black businesses. Cambridge first joined in this celebration in 2021, with our partners: the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network, Cambridge Local First, and the Sustainable Business Network to create a thriving and supportive environment for Black entrepreneurs.  

Schedule of Events 

Please check back as events may be added throughout the month. All events are free and open to all.  

Monday, August 11 

Small Business Open House on City Services, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

Location: Cambridge Public Library – Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St. - 2nd floor 

Curious about the city services available to help your small business in Cambridge? Drop in at any time to speak with staff from different departments including Public Works, Inspectional Services, the License Commission, Sustainability Office and the Economic Opportunity and Development Division about your small business needs. Learn about programs and resources available for small businesses and connect with other business owners. All are welcome to attend.

Registration is encouraged, but not required. Click here to register

Tuesday, August 12 

National Black Business Month Kickoff Networking Event, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. 

Location: BRED – Cambridge, 730 Main St, Cambridge 02139

Cambridge Community Development Department partners with the Black Economic Council of Mass. (BECMA), to host a special networking event to kick off National Black Business Month in August. Join us as we celebrate the invaluable contributions of our local Black entrepreneurs from all over the region at BRED Cambridge, one of Cambridge's newest black-owned restaurants. This event is free and open to all business owners and entrepreneurs interested in connecting with and supporting Black-owned businesses. Come build relationships, explore opportunities, and foster a thriving community of Black entrepreneurship!

Registration is encouraged for catering purposes. Click here to register: Register for 2025 Cambridge / BECMA Black Business Month Kickoff

Wednesday, August 13  

Speed Networking for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs, 12:15 – 1:00 p.m.

Location: MIT Open Space, 292 Main St., Cambridge

Join us for an informal speed networking session and build your professional network. This event is presented in collaboration with Cambridge Economic Opportunity and Development Division and MIT Open Space. All are welcome.

Registration is encouraged: Click here to register

Tuesday, August 19

CSBBN National Black Business Month Reception, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. 

Location: 1175 Cambridge St., Cambridge

Cambridge Community Development Department (CDD) partners with the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network  (CSBBN) for a celebration of Black businesses in Cambridge and CSBBN's 5 year milestone! The CSBBN mission is to create a vibrant ecosystem for Black businesses in Cambridge. With your participation, we will explore what continued actions are needed for Black businesses in Cambridge to sustain, grow and thrive. Don't miss out on this important discussion! This event is presented by the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network in collaboration with Sustainable Business Network and CDD. 

Registration is encouraged. Click here to register.

Sunday, August 24

Vendor Fest at the 6th Annual “Everybody Gotta Eat BBQ”, 12:00 (noon) - 6:00 p.m. 

Location: Greene-Rose Heritage Park, 155 Harvard St., Cambridge

The Cambridge Community Development Department partners with Everybody Gotta Eat to host a Vendor Fair at the 6th annual Everybody Gotta Eat Community Cookout. Join us for BBQ, music, giveaways and local vendors.

Free and open to all. No registration required.

 

For more information

For more events and registration details, visit: http://www.Cambridgema.gov/BlackBizMonth.

For questions, please contact Allyson Allen at aallen@cambridgema.gov or 617/346-9122.