Small Business Resources


3/25/2020 • 4 years ago

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 4 years ago.

Looking for small business resources? Check out the city's current programs below. If you are looking for up to date COVID-19 business information and resources, click here. 

Storefront Improvement Program

The Storefront Improvement Program provides financial assistance to property owners or tenants seeking to renovate or restore commercial building exterior facades. The Program seeks to increase accessibility into storefronts, improve the physical appearance of independent businesses and enhance the commercial districts of Cambridge.

This program provides:

  • 90% matching grant up to $20,000 for ADA improvements to entrance, including ramps, lifts, doors hardware and automatic openers, accessible parking, and signage.
  • 50% matching grant up to $15,000 for other façade improvements, including better windows, paneling, architectural details and restoration of historic features.
  • 50% matching grant up to $2,500 for signage, lighting and awning improvements.

Application Form

To participate in the Storefront Improvement Program property owners or tenants must review the Storefront Improvement Program Guidelines and complete the Storefront Improvement Program Application Form.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and applications for future projects are welcome today. Contact Christina DiLiiso at cdilisio@cambridgema.gov. 

Small Business Enhancement Program

During this time businesses may be interested in applying for the Small Business Enhancement Program to prepare for future improvements and projects.

The Small Business Enhancement (SBE) Program is a reimbursement grant program that helps eligible small for-profit businesses purchase equipment and materials associated with growing their business in Cambridge.  Home-based Cambridge businesses could be eligible for a reimbursement grant of up to $1,000 for marketing needs. Brick and mortar Cambridge businesses could be eligible for a reimbursement grant of up to $6,000 for marketing or equipment.

Click here to check your business’s eligibility for the program. Click here to read more about the Small Business Enhancement Program or please contact Bonnie-May Shantz at bshantz@cambridgema.gov.

Upcoming Webinars and Workshops 

On-line Workshops 
In partnership with CCTV, we are offering two on-line workshops in April. To participate, you must register with Rona Abrahams at rabrahams@cambridgema.gov. Once you are registered, she will provide you with a link to join the on-line workshop and an easy "How-to Guide" to help get you set-up for the workshop. Please see the details below or check-out our business development workshop website for more information.

Making Awesome Social Media Videos
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2020
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.


Small Business Coaching

The Small Business Coaching Program offers eligible business owners up to 2 hours of free, one-on-one coaching from industry experts in interior design, legal consultation, marketing, financial planning, and restaurant food service. Click here to learn more about this program.

For a full list of Cambridge small business programs, click here.  

For more information

If you have questions about small business resources, please contact Pardis Saffari at psaffari@cambridgema.gov.