Small Business Assistance
The Economic Development Division strives to support businesses of all kinds, from small retail stores to growing entrepreneurial ventures.
Small Business Programs: Sign up to attend an upcoming workshop, or learn more about including the Storefront Improvement, Retail Interior Accessibility, Business Coaching, and Small Business Enhancement programs. Small business owners can also learn more about how to prepare for an emergency, or get assistance from a staff person.
Resources for Historically Disadvantaged Businesses: Special resources are available for historically disadvantaged persons (women, people of color, veterans, individuals that are disabled, and members of the LGBTQ+ community), including events, workshops and trainings, marketing opportunities (including the Cambridge Business Diversity Directory), and information about applying for government contracts from the City of Cambridge, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the federal government.
Site Finder Service: Are you looking for space in Cambridge? The Economic Development Division can provide a listing of available commercial properties at no cost to those interested in leasing commercial space. Site searches can be performed for office, retail, industrial, and R&D space.
Step-By-Step Guides and Permitting Resources: Paperwork is not the most glamorous part of running a business, but is a necessity. This page contains numerous step-by-step guides to make permit applications and other processes as easy as possible.
Business Associations: Business Associations are another important resource for businesses in Cambridge. This page lists the different neighborhood and citywide associations based in Cambridge.
Purchasing with the City: Is your company interested in doing business with the City of Cambridge? Learn more about how to become a vendor and current bid opportunities here.