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.        

April

Developing Your Own Website Through Square Space (Series)

Do you want your business to have it's own presence online? Create your own website with Squarespace. Presented by CCTV (Vinny Prezioso)

In this workshop, your will learn how to:

  • Structure your website
  • Manage content
  • Keep your website up to date

Business owners may need to purchase a business web domain or subscription to Squarespace.

  • Dates: Tuesdays, April 14, April 21, April 28, and May 5, 2026
  • Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m. 
  • Location: Workshops will be held online via Zoom.
  • Registration is required. Register here.

A minimum of 4 participants is required with a maximum of 20. This workshop includes a series of 4 lessons. Each lesson informs the next. Participants should plan to attend all 4 lessons.

Please contact Rona Abrahams at rabrahams@cambridgema.gov if you need assistance with registration.  

May

Succession Stories: Local Lessons on Selling a Business

Join us for a coffee talk about small business succession planning. Hear 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.

The panel with feature:

Julia Hallman, Owner, Formaggio Kitchen 

David Sandberg, Co-owner, Porter Square Books

Joshua Gerber, Owner, 1369 Coffee House 

Gerry Wolf, Founder/Former Owner, 1369 Coffee House 

Caleb Z., Founder Co-owner, Circus Cooperative Cafe

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

Contact Sarah Jane Huber at shuber@cambridgema.gov with any questions. 

  • Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
  • Location: Sullivan Chamber, Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave.
  • Registration Required. Register Here.

Selling Online with Squarespace (Series)

Ready to take your retail business online? Let’s turn visitors into customers! Presented by CCTV (Vinny Prezioso)

This workshop will walk you through how to:

  • Set up a professional online store using Squarespace
  • Upload photos of products
  • Write compelling product or service descriptions
  • Connect your website to social media
  • Promote your products

Small business owners should leave feeling prepared to securely sell online. Business owners may need to purchase a business web domain or subscription to Squarespace. Each session informs the next. Participants should plan to attend all 4 workshops.

  • Dates: Tuesdays, May 12, May 19, May 26, and June 2, 2026
  • Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
  • Location: Workshops will be held online via Zoom 
  • Registration is required. Register here.

A minimum of 4 participants is required with a maximum of 20. This workshop includes a series of 4 lessons. Each lesson informs the next. Participants should plan to attend all four sessions.

Please contact Rona Abrahams at rabrahams@cambridgema.gov if you need assistance with registration.

Are you Bankable? Prepare Your Business for a Loan

Need a business loan but don't know where to start? Learn from financial experts at Zenagos and Eastern Bank. This workshop introduces key lending terms and explains what makes a business "bankable."  We will help you tell a story with your business numbers to attract lending support.  After the workshop, you will leave prepared to work with a traditional bank.

  • Date:  Thursday, May 14, 2026
  • Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
  • Location: Cambridge Public Library: Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St. 
  • Registration is required. Cambridge residents and business owners get priority. Register here.

Presented by Zenagos and Eastern Bank.  Cambridge businesses who attend this workshop may be eligible for free one-on-one coaching.

City of Cambridge and SBA Massachusetts Small Business Capital + Resources Matchmaker Event

Attention, calling all Cambridge and Metro Boston area small businesses:

Looking for funding or support to start, grow, or expand your business? Join us at the Small Business Capital & Resources Matchmaker Event, hosted by CDD in partnership with the SBA’s Massachusetts District Office.

This in‑person event gives you the chance to:

  • Meet and network with SBA‑approved lenders and local business support organizations
  • Learn more about access to capital and small business success from guest speakers and industry experts
  • Learn about programs and services that can help your business succeed
  • Explore funding options to power your next stage of growth

Event Details: 

  • Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026 
  • Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
  • Location: The Cambridge Foundry, 101 Rogers St., Cambridge, MA 02141
  • Registration: This event is free to attend, but registration is encouraged. Click here to register.
  • For more information, contact Tyrone Fells at tfells@cambridgema.gov