Small Business E-Commerce Grant

The Small Business E-Commerce Program is a reimbursement grant program that helps eligible retail, food, home-based and creative for-profit businesses purchase e-commerce equipment and online upgrades. The Program's goal is to assist Cambridge's business owners with technical and financial assistance to remain competitive online. Business owners are eligible for up to $4,000. Eligible businesses can apply every three years.

This is a first come, first served program. Applicants are encouraged to have all materials prepared as early as possible. If applicants request changes after the confirmation email, then CDD will return the application to the end of the queue. CDD cannot guarantee that applications with changes will receive funding this fiscal year.

Program Overview

The Small Business E-Commerce Program entails two parts:

Part I - Eligibility Review. Complete the Eligibility Form and then participate in an Exploration Conversation with the Program Manager to confirm your eligibility and to discuss the desired business improvements. Eligibility forms for this round are due March 30, 2027.

Documents/information required for the Eligibility Form:

  • City of Cambridge Business Certificate (only required for businesses not incorporated with the state).
  • Lease (if brick-and-mortar business or co-working business)
  • Last two years of your household’s personal tax returns (Only required if applying as an income eligible micro-enterprise. Click here for eligibility guidelines.)
  • Estimates on e-commerce improvements. For example, an estimate from a web developer or another provider to design, upgrade your website, and/or train you on how to update your website. A picture or document showing the costs of a new point of sale/booking/registration system. 
  • A bank statement, invoice and proof of payment within the past 6 months from a web developer or other provider that designed, upgraded your website, and/or training you on how to update your website.

  You must complete Part I's eligibility requirements in order to be considered for a grant. 

Part II - Apply for the grant, which includes completing a full application and providing quotes for your desired improvements. Fully completed applications and quotes are due April 9, 2027. Incomplete applications or changes to applications will not be accepted after April 9, 2027. 

Improvements made within six (6) months prior to a fully completed application and contract are eligible for reimbursement. 

Example documents/information required:

  • At least one (1) quote on future e-commerce improvements from an outside vendor.  
  • Various forms (e.g. CORI form, Certificate of Authority, Tax Compliance, and W-9)
  • Other possible documents depending on requested improvements

Eligibility & Next Steps

Click here to check your business's eligibility for the program. You will receive a grant application by program staff once your business is confirmed as eligible. The eligibility form is due March 30, 2027

Completed applications will be evaluated for compliance with funding priorities. Grants are subject to availability of federal funding. This program is funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is subject to their rules and regulations.

 

For More Information

If you have questions about the Small Business E-Commerce Program, please contact Tyrone Fells at tfells@cambridgema.gov or 617/349-7223.