Join the City of Cambridge in celebrating National Small Business Month during May 2023! Throughout the month 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.
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.
Events are open to all, but Cambridge business owners, entrepreneurs and residents will be prioritized. Event details are subject to change. Please note that some events require registration.
National Small Business Month Events
Monday, 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:
Make sure to share where you are shopping and dining by using the #ShopCambMA on social!
Wednesday, May 3
Legacy Business Luncheon, 12:00- 1:30 p.m. - this event is closed.
Saturday, May 6
North Cambridge Spring Stroll, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: A variety North Massachusetts Avenue businesses, between Rindge Ave. and Rice St.
Join a variety of North Cambridge businesses as they celebrate spring! Participating businesses will be providing samples, beverages, and hosting raffles. Free to all.
Sunday, May 7
38th Annual May Fair, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Harvard Square.
Enjoy the annual Harvard Square Business Association annual celebration of spring featuring live music, international food and artisan booths featuring eclectic art, clothing, jewelry, and more! Free to all.
Wednesday, May 10
Food Waste Reduction for Businesses Webinar, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Learn how your business can reduce food waste, comply with local regulations, and save money with Abbey Massaro of RecyclingWorks Massachusetts and Cambridge Department of Public Works.
Registration is required. Register Online.
Thursday, May 11
Cambridge Networking of Women Event, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Gallery 263, 263 Pearl St.
Cambridge businesswomen meetups are intended as spaces where people can continue to connect with one another, hear success stories and tips from local small entrepreneurs, ask local experts questions, and have a meaningful group discussion. Click here for more information. No registration required for this event.
Wednesday, May 17
Start It Up Small Business Bootcamp, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: The Foundry, 101 Rogers St.
Attention all Cambridge small business owners! The City of Cambridge and The Capital Network invite you to attend an in-person event designed to provide entrepreneurship education, resources and in-person networking opportunities to connect with industry experts, investors, mentors, and fellow business owners.
Registration is required. Register Online.
Cambridge Chamber Small Business Reception, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: East Cambridge Savings Bank, 292 Cambridge St.
Click here for more information on this networking event sponsored by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.
Thursday, May 18
Cambridge Local Buzz, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Location: Dado Tea, 955 Massachusetts Ave.
Network with local businesses and city staff over coffee or tea organized by Cambridge Local First and the Cambridge Economic Opportunity and Development Division.
No registration required for this event.
Sunday, May 21
Inman Eats & Crafts, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Inman Square, Cambridge Street between Inman and Prospect Streets.
East Cambridge Business Association's annual Inman Eats & Crafts is a celebration of everything Inman Square. It’s a street fair featuring our eclectic retailers, fabulous makers, our casual eats, and culinary treats. Inman Eats & Crafts hopes to deliver a full Inman Square experience to new visitors and residents alike. Click here for more information.
Wednesday, May 24
ServSafe Certification Training, 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Cambridge Public Library Main Branch, 449 Broadway, Community Room (Level L2)
This two-part workshop offers attendees the opportunity to take an in-person ServSafe training module and then a ServSafe test administered by paper and led by an experienced ServSafe trainer. This training is ideal for first-time food businesses looking to do catering or pop-up markets in Cambridge. Translation services can be made available upon request.
Note: This course includes a training, a break period, and testing session. While the room is available until 8:00 p.m., past students have required less time for the exam and completed the day in 5 hours.
Registration is required. Register Online.
For More Information
If you have questions about Cambridge National Small Business Week, please contact Allyson Allen at aallen@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-9122.