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Past Projects

Since the first Small Business Challenge in 2017, small business owners, business associations, and groups of neighborhood businesses from across the city have used the program's grant funding to energize and invigorate their commercial areas and business districts through a variety of creative projects, design improvements, and branding/marketing advancements. 

2022 Small Business Challenge Winners

• Cambridge Local First created a digital marketplace and hosted virtual walking tours to complement the digital holiday shopping guide which promotes their Cambridge business members.
• The Harvard Square Business Association installed new Adirondack chairs for public use in common areas around Harvard Square.
• Businesses located on the 2200 block of North Mass Ave (Spindler Confections, Curio Spice, Urban Hearth, and Nussli 118) installed a large group sign to attract new customers and help destination shoppers.
• The businesses of Observatory Hill (at the intersection of Huron and Concord Ave.) hosted an expanded holiday shopping event that had branded swag and collective decorations.

2021 Small Business Challenge Winners

• Cambridge Local First created a digital holiday shopping guide to promote their Cambridge business members for the 2021 holiday season.
• The East Cambridge Business Association designed new logos for their signature events as well as the association's own logo.
• The Harvard Square Business Association installed new light pole banners welcoming visitors to Harvard Square.

2020 Small Business Challenge Winners

• The Central Square Business Improvement District installed seasonal light pole banners that celebrated Central Square businesses and coincided with the City’s Small Business Saturday holiday season promotion.
• The East Cambridge Business Association enhanced their website to better highlight their district and members and utilize new, professional photos of Inman and East Cambridge.
• The Harvard Square Business Association installed new light pole banners promoting the Winter Carnival in January.
• The Kendall Square Association updated their website to better showcase the events and activities of their business members.
• The businesses of block 2200 North Mass Ave. (NOCA) installed seasonal decorations in their commercial area and developed branding and marketing for the new NOCA Holiday Stroll.
• The businesses of Observatory Hill (at the intersection of Huron and Concord Ave.) installed holiday decorations including planters and festive lights.
• The businesses in the South of Porter Square area purchased decorative lighting for current and future holiday seasons.

2019 Small Business Challenge Winners

• Cambridge Local First launched an improved website to support the organization's member recruitment and business promotion efforts.
• The Central Square Business Association developed a marketing booklet that promotes and highlights the Business Improvement District (BID) formation efforts in Central Square.
• The East Cambridge Business Association commissioned a professional photographer to establish a catalog of photos for use in promoting East Cambridge and Inman Square.
• The Harvard Square Business Association refurbished outdoor cafe tables and chairs for public use in Harvard Square.

2018 Small Business Challenge Winners

• The Central Square Business Association updated a former Blockbuster sign with a new facade that reflects the cultural vibrancy of Central Square.
• The East Cambridge Business Association commissioned local business owners to design creative displays in vacant, first-floor spaces in the district. 
• Practice Space in Inman Square engaged the community in an interactive history of businesses in Inman Square through a postcard campaign and springtime walking tours.

2017 Small Business Challenge Winners

• Businesses located on the 2200 block of North Mass Ave (Spindler Confections, Curio Spice, Urban Hearth, and Nussli 118) purchased planter boxes to enhance the block's outdoor space.
• The Central Square Business Association designed and printed district banners to visually reinforce Central Square's designation as a cultural district. 
• The East Cambridge Business Association, in partnership with the Inman Square Neighborhood Association, purchased and installed hanging flower baskets and American flags to expand the beautification efforts of Inman Square.  

Read how the Small Business Challenge projects impacted small business owners and business districts. 

To learn more about eligibility and application guidelines, visit cambridgema.gov/SBC.