Cambridge Celebrates National Black Business Month

This August, the City of Cambridge is proud to celebrate National Black Business Month, a month-long event dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of Black-owned businesses to our local community and the national economy.

Throughout the month, the city will host a variety of events aimed at supporting and promoting Black business owners. These include networking opportunities, community gatherings, trainings, and informational sessions designed to foster connections and growth within the Black business community. Residents are encouraged to join the celebration by patronizing Black-owned businesses and engaging with local entrepreneurs.

Cambridge’s celebration of National Black Business Month is part of the Economic Opportunity and Development Division’s ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive and sustainable economy, and uplift entrepreneurs facing systemic barriers such as institutional racism. Other efforts have included updating the Business Diversity Directory, celebrating National Small Business Month and Women’s Business Month, running workshops for emerging food entrepreneurs, and more.

National Black Business Month was established in 2004 by Frederick Jordan and John William Templeton to honor and empower Black businesses navigating the often daunting obstacles they encounter. Cambridge first joined in this celebration in 2021, partnering with the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network, Cambridge Local First, and the Sustainable Business Network to create a thriving and supportive environment for Black entrepreneurs.

Schedule of Events

Please check back as events will be added throughout the month. All events are free and open to all. 

Thursday, August 1

City of Cambridge National Black Business Month Kick-Off Event, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

• Location: Dx, 33 Dunster St, Cambridge, MA 02138
• Community Development Department is proud to host a special networking event to kick off National Black Business Month in August. Join us as we celebrate the invaluable contributions of our local Black entrepreneurs. Build relationships, explore opportunities, and help foster a thriving community of Black entrepreneurship. This event is free and open to all business owners and entrepreneurs interested in connecting with and supporting current and prospective Black-owned businesses in Cambridge.  
• Registration is preferred for catering purposes. Click here to register  

Friday, August 2 and Saturday August 10

Pan in the Park Series, 8/2: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and 8/10: 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m.

• Location: Friday 8/2: Magazine Beach, 668 Memorial Dr and Saturday 8/10: Sennott Park, 305 Broadway 
• Join us for Pan in the Park for fun-filled days of music, food, & festivities celebrating Caribbean culture, food from The Samosa Man, and craft vendors. Imagine live steel pan music in the great outdoors! Bring your friends and family for a fun-filled night of music, food, and community.This program is presented by Cambridge Carnival International in collaboration with Tempo International Rhythm and Steel, and sponsored by Mass Audubon, Cambridge Arts, Cambridge Community Foundation, Cambridge Youth Steel Orchestra and The Williams Agency.
• Free and open to all. Click here for tickets

Sundays, August 4, 11, 18, and 25

Harvard Square Black Business Pop-Up Market, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Sundays

• Location: Palmer St between Brattle St and Church St (near the Harvard Coop)
• Celebrate and Shop Black Businesses in Harvard Square! The Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network (CSBBN) is hosting another pop-up all summer long in collaboration with the Harvard Square Business Association. Shop for gift items from fashion, vegan treats, fine art, bags, jewelry, artisan soaps, sauces, dog treats to accessories, there will be something for everyone.
• RSVP not required. Click here to RSVP

Thursday, August 15 

Mass SDO Info Session, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Location: online via Zoom 
• Is your business minority-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, disability-owned, veteran-owned, or woman-owned? Learn about the importance of becoming a certified vendor by the Commonwealth of Mass’ Supplier Diversity Office (Mass SDO). SDO certification is a marketing tool that can help your diverse business stand out in contract bidding. Although certification does not guarantee successful bids, it can add a competitive edge to diverse firms seeking contracts with the government and large companies or institutions. 
• Registration is required: Click here to register 

Sunday, August 25 

5th Annual “Everybody Gotta Eat Cookout”, 12 noon - 6:00 p.m.

• Location: Greene-Rose Heritage Park 

• The Cambridge Community Development Department partners with Everybody Gotta Eat to host a BBQ with a Vendor Fair showcasing a variety of businesses from food to retail products as part of the 5th annual Everybody Gotta Eat Community Cookout. Free and open to all. Interested vendors can find more information below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-everybody-gotta-eat-bbq-cook-off-tickets-961550502437

• No registration required 

Wednesday, August 28

Resources Matchmaker Event for Small Businesses, 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon

• Location: The Cambridge Foundry, 101 Rogers St, Cambridge MA 02141 (very limited parking!)
• Calling all small businesses in Cambridge and beyond! Are you looking for funding or assistance to start, grow, or expand your business? Look no further than the Small Business Capital & Resources Matchmaker hosted by the Cambridge Community Development Department and the Small Business Administration's Massachusetts District Office. This in-person event is your chance to network with local SBA-approved lenders and small business resource providers. Learn about the variety of resources available to help your business thrive. Discover funding opportunities to fuel your growth. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to connect with the resources you need to succeed!
• Registration is strongly encouraged: Click here to register