Celebrate National Black Business Month

This August, Cambridge proudly celebrates National Black Business Month, honoring the vital contributions of Black entrepreneurs who strengthen our community and economy.

Black business owners continue to innovate, create jobs, and enrich our city often while navigating increasingly difficult systemic barriers. Supporting Black‑owned businesses helps build a more equitable and resilient community for everyone.
All are welcome to join us in celebrating and uplifting our Black business community.

• Buy Black: Make a year‑round commitment to shop and dine at Black‑owned businesses.
• Connect and Learn: Attend events throughout the month, that includes networking opportunities open to all.
• Discover New Favorites: Explore local Black‑owned businesses through the Cambridge Business Diversity Directory.
• Spread the Word: Share National Black Business Month social media images and use #BuyBlack #CambMA #ShopCambMA—don’t forget to tag the businesses you love.

Our celebration is part of the Economic Opportunity and Development Division’s work to build an inclusive, long‑lasting economy that works for everyone, especially for entrepreneurs who face systemic challenges.  We also recognize National Small Business Month and Asian American Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian Heritage Month in May, and Women’s Business Month in October.

National Black Business Month was founded in 2004 by Frederick Jordan and John William Templeton to uplift and empower Black businesses. Cambridge joined this celebration in 2021 alongside partners including the Cambridge‑Somerville Black Business Network, Cambridge Local First, and the Sustainable Business Network.

Schedule of Events

Please check this page regularly as events may be added throughout the month. All events are free and open to all.  

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

National Black Business Month Celebration, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Location: Eastern Edge Food Hall, 290 Main St, Cambridge, 02142

Cambridge’s Community Development Department is proud to partner once again with the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) to kick off National Black Business Month this August with a special networking celebration. Join us as we honor the vital contributions of Black entrepreneurs from across the region at MIT’s new food hall, The Eastern Edge in Kendall Square. 

Registration is encouraged for catering purposes. Register for 2026 Cambridge / BECMA Black Business Month Kickoff

Thursday, August 6, 2026

CSBBN Professional Services Procurement Fair, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: 541 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, 02139

The Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network (CSBBN), in partnership with the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts, Cambridge Community Development, and Cambridge Local First, invites community members to our first Professional Services Procurement Fair. This event showcases Black-owned, women-owned, and BIPOC-owned professional service firms, many of which are certified WMBEs and have the experience, capacity, and credentials to serve large institutional, corporate, nonprofit, and municipal clients. 

Community members who are buyers, procurement staff, or decision-makers for large companies, organizations, or municipalities are warmly encouraged to attend. Your participation helps strengthen equitable local purchasing and expands opportunities for historically underrepresented businesses. 

Buyers can click here to register: Register as a Buyer for the CSBBN Professional Services Procurement Fair.

Monday, August 10

Small Business Open House on State & City Programs and Services, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Location: 344 Broadway, 2nd floor conference room, Cambridge 02139

Learn about city and state programs for Cambridge small businesses. Drop in anytime to explore services through the Business Front Door portal, including certifications, grants, and funding. Connect with City staff across key departments and discover resources to support your business. All are welcome.

Registration is encouraged. Register for the Small Business Open House.

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

AI for Bid Response & Proposal Writing, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Main Branch – Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, 02138

AI for Bid Response and Proposal Writing workshop helps small business owners quickly analyze RFPs, decide whether to bid, and build strong proposals using an integrated AI‑powered system. Optional one‑on‑one follow‑up supports real procurement opportunities.

Registration is required. Register for the AI for Bid Response & Proposal Writing

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Everybody Gotta Eat Community Cookout, 12 noon - 6:00 p.m.

Location: University Park, 65 Sidney St, Cambridge, 02139

The Cambridge Community Development Department supports the Everybody Gotta Eat Community BBQ showcasing a variety of businesses from around the region. Shop delicious food and retail products as part of the annual Everybody Gotta Eat BBQ.

Free and open to all.

For more events and registration details, visit: http://www.Cambridgema.gov/BlackBizMonth.

For questions, please contact Allyson Allen at aallen@cambridgema.gov or 617/346-9122.