Business Development Workshops

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Interactive Live and Online Workshops!

The Economic Opportunity and Development Division works with the Cambridge Community Television (CCTV), Center for Women and Enterprise, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, SCORE Boston, Growth with Google, and local organizations 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 cancelled 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.      

September

Knowing Your Capabilities - Supplier Diversity Workshop for Small Business

  • Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
  • Time: 6:00 - 7:30  p.m.
  • Location: Online via Zoom. 
  • Do you have a simple, clear statement about what your business does well? This workshop will help you create one. You'll learn how to explain what your business offers to customers. An expert will show you how to describe your business, who your customers are, and what makes you better than others. You'll learn how to write your own 'Capabilities Statement'. This is a useful tool to give to possible customers at the Cambridge Supplier Diversity Fair. It shows what your business does and can help you when you talk to people about your business in the future. This workshop is led by Victoria Downes from the Brand to Profits Consulting Group.
  • Registration is required. Please contact Allyson Allen at aallen@cambridgema.gov if you need assistance with registration. 

Pitch Perfect - Supplier Diversity Workshop for Small Business

  • Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
  • Time: 6:00 - 7:30  p.m.
  • Location: Cambridge Public Library - Valente Branch, 826 Cambridge St., Cambridge.
  • Are you prepared to 'pitch' your business to possible customers? We can help you! In this in-person workshop, you'll learn how to tell a great story about your business and what it offers. We'll show you how to create a strong presentation using facts and pictures. You'll also get better at explaining your products or services to possible customers. We'll teach you how to change your presentation for different people, so your message is always clear. This workshop is led by Victoria Downes from the Brand to Profits Consulting Group. 

  • Registration is required. Please contact Allyson Allen at aallen@cambridgema.gov if you need assistance with registration. 

October

Introduction to E-Commerce - Selling Your Products Online Series

  • Date: Tuesdays - October 15, October 22, October 29, and November 5, 2024.
  • Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
  • Location: Online via Zoom.
  • Description: This series will focus on selling your products on Social Media and Shopify. The class will focus on  how to upload photos, develop product descriptions, and accepting payments. You'll learn how to set up your own professional store online in no time! Instructor is Vinny Prezioso in partnership with CCTV.
  • Registration is required. When you register, you are committing to all four (4) classes. Please contact Rona Abrahams at rabrahams@cambridgema.gov if you need assistance with registration.