Business Development Workshops

BWorkshop

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.      

January

How to Start Doing Business with the City of Cambridge

  • Date: Monday, January 27, 2025
  • Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Hybrid. In person at Cambridge City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway and Online via Zoom
  • Description: Are you a small business owner interested in doing business with the City but don't know where to start? Attend this workshop to learn more. Click here for more information. 
  • Registration is required. Please contact Tyrone Fells at tfells@cambridgema.gov if you need assistance with registration. 

February

Introductions to Bids and Written Proposals

  • Date: Monday, February 3, 2025
  • Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Hybrid. In person at Cambridge City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway and Online via Zoom
  • Description: Are you a small business owner who has seen Bids from the City but has no idea where to start? This workshop will cover requirements around procurement of projects between $10-$50,000, which requires the City to get formal quotes. Click here for more information. 
  • Registration is required. Please contact Tyrone Fells at tfells@cambridgema.gov if you need assistance with registration.

How Do I Respond to and RFP?

  • Date: Monday, February 10, 2025
  • Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Hybrid. In person at Cambridge City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway and Online via Zoom
  • Description: Are you a small business owner who is interested in finding out more information about what vendors should be aware of when considering responding to a Request for Proposal? If so, the City of Cambridge will be hosting a workshop on How do I respond to an RFP. Click here for more information. 
  • Registration is required. Please contact Tyrone Fells at tfells@cambridgema.gov if you need assistance with registration.

Business Financials in 2025

  • Date: Monday, February 24, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. 
  • Location: Hybrid. In person at Cambridge City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway and Online via Zoom.
  • Description: Feeling overwhelmed by your business's finances? Join our workshop designed just for small business owners like you who want better bankability and predictable income streams. Here’s what you’ll learn: organize your financial records, build strong banking relationships, understand key financial statements, and more! Transform how you handle your business finances and drive your business toward success. Presented by Zenagos. Cambridge businesses who attend these workshops may be eligible for free one-on-one financial coaching assistance. To check your business’s eligibility, click here.
  • Registration is required. Cambridge residents and business owners will be prioritized. Please contact Rona Abrahams at rabrahams@cambridgema.gov if you need assistance with registration.

March

Developing Your Own Website Through Squarespace

  • Date: Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. 
  • Location: Online via Zoom.
  • Description: Create your own website with modern tools from Squarespace as you learn about website structure, content management, and learn the tools to keep your website up to date. With scheduling and commerce features, Squarespace is one of the leading resources for creating and maintaining a professional website. Hosted by CCTV and instructed by Vinny Prezioso.
  • Registration is required. This class is limited to 20 people. Cambridge residents and business owners will be prioritized. Please contact Rona Abrahams at rabrahams@cambridgema.gov if you need assistance with registration.

Are You Bankable? Workshop

  • Date: Monday, March 10, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. 
  • Location: Hybrid. In person at Cambridge City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway and Online via Zoom.
  • Description: Your small business is “bankable” if a typical bank would be willing to offer you financing, such as a loan to buy more equipment, launch a new product line, or further grow what is already working. Becoming bankable is an exciting accomplishment for any business owner, and it is achievable. (Contrary to popular belief, banks are eager to lend to small businesses and have more services designed for them than ever.) However, in order to be bankable, you need to know how to talk about your business's numbers and present your story in a compelling manner. Presented by Zenagos. Cambridge businesses who attend these workshops may be eligible for free one-on-one financial coaching assistance. To check your business’s eligibility, click here.
  • Registration is required. Cambridge residents and business owners will be prioritized. Please contact Rona Abrahams at rabrahams@cambridgema.gov if you need assistance with registration.