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Local Business owners

Small Business Assistance

Community Development

Small businesses are an important part of Cambridge’s diverse and thriving economy. To support and promote current small business owners and aspiring local entrepreneurs, the Community Development Department’s economic development division offers a variety of programs, workshops, grants, and resources.

Tips and FAQs

Does the City Offer Financial or Technical Assistance to Small Business Owners?

The City offers both financial and technical assistance to Cambridge-based businesses through the following grant programs:

  • The Storefront Improvement Program provides funds for renovating or restoring commercial building exterior facades and making ADA improvements to improve accessibility.
  • The Retail Interior Accessibility Program provides financial assistance to business owners seeking to renovate or improve the interior of their commercial buildings to make their business more accessible to those who are sensory and/or physically disabled.
  • The Small Business Coaching Program provides established business owners with one-on-one coaching services with experts in the fields of interior design, restaurant management, marketing, and legal services.

How Do I Get Started with Opening My Business in Cambridge?

The City's Step by Step Permitting and Resource Guides provides an overview of the process and regulatory requirements at the city level for starting a business in Cambridge. The guides are available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Mandarin, and Spanish. 

The Small Business Data Dashboard helps local businesses and entrepreneurs access data related to Cambridge's business climate, including customer base demographics, development indicators, industry trends, and more. 

Cambridge residents interested in starting a business can also attend a free business workshop or apply to the 10-week Business Planning Program to get assistance in developing their business plan.

Staff in the Community Development Department’s Economic Development Division are available to meet on-on-one with anyone interested in opening or growing a business in Cambridge. Call 617/349-4637 to speak to an economic development specialist or schedule an appointment.

What Kinds of Business Workshops Does the City Offer?

The Community Development Department partners with community organizations to offer a variety of business workshops year-round, free to Cambridge residents and business owners. Workshops range in topic from marketing, to website and social media development, to accounting and much more. View a list of upcoming workshops.

How Do I Qualify for Cambridge's Small Business Programs and Resources?

Small business workshops and the 10-Week Business Planning Course are open to Cambridge business owners and residents who are intent on opening a business in Cambridge. To participate in small business programs or receive small business grants from the City, you must be a current Cambridge business owner. Check program webpages for additional eligibility requirements.

Page was posted on 5/8/2018 6:06 PM
Page was last modified on 7/24/2023 8:07 PM
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