Boosting Business Blocks Grant
The Boosting Business Blocks (BBB) grant application is open!
The Boosting Business Blocks (BBB) grant helps business associations and groups of businesses improve their commercial area. Applicants can receive up to $7,000 for their project. BBB funds are a grant, not a loan, and are not taxable income. We must approve all expenses before your project begins. We provide reimbursement after your project is complete.
Funds have been reimbursed projects that:
- Brighten a commercial district by installing flowers, murals, or other public art.
- Celebrate the unique character of a commercial district through banners or other signage.
- Encourage visitors to an area by holding special or seasonal events.
- Host a pop-up event or activity in a building or park that has been vacant or underutilized.
- Support the growth of businesses by developing new websites or digital platforms that support district marketing.
- Offer training to businesses that will help businesses work together.
Example Past Projects
The East Cambridge Business Association (ECBA) partnered with Gather Here to launch the Inman Incubator. The Inman Incubator hosted a rotating selection of local makers in a ground floor commercial space in the heart of Inman Square. BBB helped pay for the marketing materials and shared furniture life shelves and tables.
The Central Square Business Improvement District (BID) used BBB funds to help reclaim a prominent sign. They transformed an old Blockbuster Video blade sign into a colorful inviting design. The sign now welcomes visitors and is a beloved symbol of the arts and culture district.
The business of Observatory Hill and Huron Village worked together to host a holiday stroll. They used funds to promote the event, decorate, and hire live music. They also created a passport program for shoppers to encourage them to visit businesses across the neighborhood.
Many more projects have been funding since this grant program began. The program was originally know as the Small Business Challenge. Learn more about past projects.
Requirements and Review Process
General Projects - We accept applications on a rolling basis until April 14, 2026 pending available funds. We pause review on these applications in November and December. Maximum grant amount is $7,000. Please review the guidelines below.
Holiday Season Pilot Program – New in 2025, we offered an additional round of funding for holiday season projects (November 29-December 30, 2025). The maximum grant amount was $5,000. Your grant award does not count against your general BBB eligibility. All other BBB guidelines apply. Funding for the 2025 holiday season is now closed. Applications were due by 5:00 P.M. on Monday, November 10, 2025.
Grant awards are determined by Economic Opportunity and Development Division (EODD) staff and are certified by a cross-departmental review committee. Together, they consider the following when awarding grant funds:
- Total project cost
- Potential impact in a community or given area
- Lasting impact and sustainability of project
- Feasibility of project and soundness of proposal
- Ability to replicate project
All projects, regardless of when funding is awarded, must be fully paid for by June 1 to qualify for reimbursement before the end of the fiscal year (June 30). EODD staff will work with awardees one-on-one to establish benchmarks to ensure grant projects are on track for completion. Grant funds will be awarded upon project completion and submission of evaluation plan results.
Please review all grant guidelines before submitting your application: Fiscal Year 2026 Guidelines.
Fiscal Year 2026 Application
For more information
Please contact Sarah Jane Huber at 617/349-4624 or shuber@cambridgema.gov for more information.