Business Development Workshops
Interactive Live and Online Workshops!
The Economic Opportunity and Development Division works with a variety of local organizations and professional groups to provide business development programs and services to Cambridge residents, entrepreneurs, and businesses.
Click here for a list of previously recorded workshops and events that are now available for viewing.
Please note - Registrations close 2 HOURS BEFORE the workshop begins (unless otherwise noted below). Classes may be cancelled or postponed due to lack of registration. Please call the Division at 617/349-4637 to check the status of a workshop.
All workshops are free for Cambridge business owners and residents unless otherwise noted. If you have questions about our workshops, please contact Rona Abrahams at rabrahams@cambridgema.gov or 617/349-4637.
May
Retail Playbook Workshop Part 1: Understanding Changes in Retail and Marketing Basics
What you'll learn:
- The basics of digital marketing for retail and how to effectively reach customers and keep customers coming back.
- How to measure if your marketing is working well by looking at numbers and using these numbers to make smart choices for your business.
Retail Playbook Workshop Part 2: Reaching More Customers Online
What you'll learn:
- How to make your business more visible online to get more customers through your website, social media, delivery apps, and local listings.
- Ways to use local online retail directories to connect with more people and grow your online orders.
Retail Playbook Workshop Part 3: Using Customer Data for Better Marketing
What you'll learn:
- How to use the information from your point of sales (POS) system to see what's selling, when you're busiest, and which items on your menu make the most money.
- A hands-on activity to find out which products give you the best profit and how to create special deals to attract more customers to these items.
Steps to Starting a Business Series - Workshop 1 - Getting Your Business Started
- Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
- Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Cambridge Public Library, Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St.
- Registration is required.
Whether you're just starting out or already running a business, this workshop is for you! Over four weeks, we'll give you the practical skills to make your business run even better. We'll focus on what you need to learn to succeed.
What you'll learn:
- Learn the most important ideas for being a business owner and entrepreneur.
- Figure out how to plan your business and set goals you can actually reach.
- Understand the basics of keeping your customers happy.
Employee Ownership as a Powerful Succession Strategy
What you'll learn:
Thinking about the future of your business? Join us for a workshop on how employee ownership can be a powerful succession strategy. We'll explore models like worker cooperatives, ESOPs, and employee ownership trusts that help businesses stay rooted and thriving. The workshop will focus on small businesses in Cambridge but is open to anyone who wants to learn about the topic. Cambridge businesses may be eligible for free one-on-one coaching after the workshop. This workshop is presented by ICA Group.
June
Steps to Starting a Business Series - Workshop 2 - Getting Customers & Getting the Word Out
- Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
- Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Cambridge Public Library, Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St.
- Registration is required.
Whether you're just starting out or already running a business, this workshop is for you! Over four weeks, we'll give you the practical skills to make your business run even better. We'll focus on what you need to learn to succeed.
What you'll learn:
- Learn simple ways to market your small business.
- Discover how to bring in new customers effectively.
- Get started with using social media and selling online.
Steps to Starting a Business Series - Workshop 3 - Managing Your Inventory and Operations
- Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
- Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Cambridge Public Library, Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St.
- Registration is required.
Whether you're just starting out or already running a business, this workshop is for you! Over four weeks, we'll give you the practical skills to make your business run even better. We'll focus on what you need to learn to succeed.
What you'll learn:
- Learn easy ways to keep track of your products.
- Find out how to make your business run smoother so you can grow.
- Get a basic idea of how supplies get to you and how to send things out.
Steps to Starting a Business Series - Workshop 4 - Understanding Your Money
- Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
- Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Cambridge Public Library, Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St.
- Registration is required.
Whether you're just starting out or already running a business, this workshop is for you! Over four weeks, we'll give you the practical skills to make your business run even better. We'll focus on what you need to learn to succeed.
What you'll learn:
- Learn the basics of keeping track of your business finances.
- Understand what it costs you to sell your products and how to set your prices.
- Learn simple ways to manage your money coming in and going out, and how to budget.
- Find out about different ways to get money to start or grow your business.