Business Development Workshops
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.
December
Energy Savings for Small Businesses
Businesses - Cut Your Energy Costs Now!
Winter is coming, and so are the high heating bills. Stop losing heat (and money)! Reduce your energy costs this winter and every winter after. Join us to learn about the energy savings available for small businesses from Eversource.
Commercial renters: You may qualify for up to 100% off costs!
These are proven improvements that pay for themselves quickly.
Weatherization (like insulation and sealing air leaks) permanently reduces the heat your business loses. This means less work for your heat source and lower monthly bills.
While the biggest savings happen in winter, a well-sealed building also keeps the heat out in the summer, lowering your air conditioning costs, too!
- Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
- Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- Location: Online with Zoom
- Register here
Ready to book your FREE energy assessment now? Email sarah.stewart@aecom.com or call 617-371-4512.
January
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 isn't just theory – it's 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.
From Records to Results: Turn Numbers into Growth
Learn how to complete a monthly financial check-up for your small business! This workshop will help business owners identify tools for better decision-making. Zenagos will walk through how to review financial results, track marketing and sales performance, and update financial forecasts. Participants will also practice identifying key numbers to watch—such as revenue, expenses, customer acquisition cost, and net income—and understand how these numbers connect to business growth. Businesses should leave with a clear process for keeping their financial records up to date, forecasting future performance, and confidently talking about their results. 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: January 26, 2026, 6:00 - 8:00 p. m.
- Location: City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, Second Floor Conference Room or Zoom
- Registration Required: Register Here
New Year Resolutions: Business Additions
Start the year with clarity and direction. This interactive workshop gives small business owners a straightforward framework and practical tools to turn vision and ideas into actionable, achievable goals. Presented by Clarity.
Learn how to:
- Set goals that align with their mission and capacity
- Differentiate between defining a goal vs the plan to reach the goal
- Prioritize competing ideas
- Establish simple, meaningful success metrics
Through guided exercises, you will complete risk/impact and effort/impact assessments and build mini-charters. You’ll leave with a focused, realistic set of priorities that are organized and ready to put into action. Eligible small businesses can take advantage of up to four additional hours of 1-on-1 coaching with Clarity to support implementing their newly prioritized goals. You can also get additional strategic, operational, or personnel advising as needed.
- Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (with 1 hour break)
- Location: Main Branch of Cambridge Public Library
- Registration Required. To register for this workshop, please email Jared Staley at jstaley@cambridgema.gov. This workshop is limited to 10 attendees.
February
Are You Bankable?
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: City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, Second Floor Conference Room or Zoom
- Registration Required. Register Here.