National Small Business Week

Join the City of Cambridge in celebrating National Small Business Week, May 1-7, 2022! Throughout the week join us for webinars and other events to provide resources to local small businesses and entrepreneurs, and to celebrate the importance of small businesses to Cambridge's vibrant community. Don't forget to check out our social media channels all week long as we celebrate Cambridge's small businesses.

Events are open to all, but Cambridge business owners, entrepreneurs and residents will be prioritized. Event details are subject to change. 

Thank you to partners Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Cambridge Local First, Central Square Business Improvement District, East Cambridge Business Association, Harvard Square Business Association, and Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network.

National Small Business Week Events

Sunday, May 1

Start the week off by exploring one of Cambridge's commercial districts and shopping small! Here are some resources to get you started:

• Cambridge Business Diversity Directory (new online dashboard)
• Shopping and dining recommendations in Inman Square and East Cambridge
• Shopping and dining recommendations in Harvard Square
• Shopping and dining recommendations in Central Square
• Cambridge Local First's Member Directories and Guides

Make sure to share where you are shopping and dining by using the #ShopCambMA on social!

Cambridge Plays - Harvard Square, 11:00 a.m.

• Location: Palmer Street, Harvard Square.
• Enjoy free, live folk music from Kim Moberg on Palmer Street starting at 11:00 a.m. Free to all.

Monday, May 2

Small Business Office Hours at Inspectional Services Department, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Location: 831 Massachusetts Ave.

Please join us for small business office hours with Community Development and Inspectional Services Departments. City staff will be available to assist Cambridge small business owners and entrepreneurs with:

• Finding a location
• Zoning questions
• Applying for a City of Cambridge small business grant
• Accessing small business resources

Drop-Ins welcome; no registration required.

Tuesday, May 3

Central Square Murals and Jane's Walk, 4:00 p.m.  ***THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED*** 

Wednesday, May 4

Hive Small Business Open House, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

• Location: Cambridge Public Library, Main Branch, 449 Broadway
• Are you a Cambridge entrepreneur or business owner looking to prototype a new item? Perhaps you are thinking about starting a cottage food business and not sure where to make labels? Come to our Hive Small Business Open House event to learn about this state-of-the-art makerspace located at the Main Library! The Hive's mission is to provide free, hands-on learning opportunities to the Cambridge community, resources for personal projects, and to serve as a hub for skill sharing and creative collaboration. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Thursday, May 5

Making Awesome Videos for Social Media Workshop, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Location: Online via Zoom. 
• Looking to maximize the impact of your business? Video is a key way to engage current and prospective customers. In the workshop you’ll be learning easy and time efficient ways to create branded video content that will build your audience and drive your business forward. This workshop is free to Cambridge residents and business owners. 
• Registration is required. Register online here. For more information, please contact Rona Abrahams at rabrahams@cambridgema.gov

Legacy Business Luncheon, 11:30 am- 1:00 p.m. - this event is closed. 

Food Incubator Program Workshop - Market and Opportunity Analysis, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

• Location: Online via Zoom.
• To build a successful food business, first you need to understand your customer base. This virtual workshop will help you identify your market, the needs of your potential customers, and how to meet those needs. This workshop will be hosted by CommonWealth Kitchen as part of the Cambridge Food Business Incubator Program.
• This event is geared toward prospective and new business owners and is free and open to all. Registration is required. 

Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Celebrating After Hours Networking Event and Small Business Award Ceremony, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

• Location: East Cambridge Savings Bank, 292 Cambridge St. 
• The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the City of Cambridge is proud to celebrate Small Business Week. Join us and our host East Cambridge Savings Bank for a night full of fun networking, small business awards, special raffles, delicious food, and drinks. Don't forget your business cards!
• Click here to register. This event costs $25.00. 

Friday, May 6

Doing Business With the City Workshop 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

• Location: Online via Zoom. 
• Are you interested in submitting a proposal on a City of Cambridge solicitation of quotes or invitation for bids, but not sure where to start? Join us at this session to learn more about the common items needed when responding to a solicitation of quotes or submitting a bid.
• This session is free and open to all. Registration is required.

Saturday, May 7

Cambridge Plays in Linear Park, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Alewife Linear Park at Cameron Ave and Mass Ave.
Join us on the dance floor as A Trike Called Funk plays some tunes as we celebrate spring on North Mass. Ave.

For More Information

If you have questions about Cambridge National Small Business Week, please contact Pardis Saffari at psaffari@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4654.