National Small Business Month

Cambridge Celebrates Small Businesses in May!

The city of Cambridge is celebrating National Small Business Week this May. All month long, there will be workshops, networking, and other fun things to do. These events celebrate how important local, small businesses and entrepreneurs are to Cambridge. 

Here's what's happening: 

• Free workshops: Learn new skills for your business. 
• Networking: Meet other business owners and make connections. 
• Community events: Join fun gatherings for everyone. 

Everyone is welcome to these events, and many are free! Some events require you to sign up ahead of time and some event details might change. 

Want to help small businesses right now? 

Start the month by visiting the different shopping areas in Cambridge and buying from small businesses! Here are some ways to find them:  

• Cambridge Business Diversity Directory (online dashboard) 
• Shopping and dining recommendations in Inman Square and East Cambridge 
• Shopping and dining recommendations in Harvard Square 
• Shopping and dining recommendations in Central Square 
• Shopping and dining recommendations in Kendall Square 
• Cambridge Local First's Member Directories and Guides  

Use the #ShopCambMA on social media all month long as we celebrate Cambridge's small businesses. Use the logo available here: Cambridge National Small Business Month logo.

Thank you to partners Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Cambridge Local First, Central Square Business Improvement District, East Cambridge Business Association, Harvard Square Business Association, Kendall Square Business Association, and Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network. 

To learn more about all the events happening during National Small Business Month, visit cambridgema.gov/smallbusinessmonth. 

Schedule of Events 

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

Saturday, May 3 

VIVA Central Block Party, 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. 

Location: 19 State Street 

Get ready to savor local flavors, prepare to dance, and expect some surprises and activities that will spark joy and connection! This is a high-energy celebration of everything that makes our community so special – culture, connection, and pure, unadulterated fun! Click here for more information. 

Free to all. 

Sunday, May 4 

40th Annual Harvard Square May Fair  

Location: Harvard Square  

Join us for the annual Spring celebration and discover amazing local musicians while you explore unique creations from local artists and enjoy delicious food at the 3rd Annual Asian Street Food and Music Festival. Click here for more information.  

Free to all.   

Wednesday, May 7  

Legacy Business Luncheon, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.  

This event celebrates some of the oldest small businesses in Cambridge. Click here for more information on Legacy Businesses. 

This event is closed. 

Thursday, May 8

Cambridge Chamber Small Business Reception, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.  

Location: East Cambridge Savings Bank, 292 Cambridge St.  

This is fun networking event and awards ceremony for Chamber members and the entire Cambridge small business community to celebrate National Small Business Week. Hosted by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. Click here for more information. 

Thursdays, May 8, 15, and 22

New Retail Playbook Workshop Series, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  

Location: Online via Zoom  

Are you a Cambridge entrepreneur or small business owner looking for training on how to better grow your business' online presence? Learn the basics of digital marketing, how to reach customers online, and how to use your customer data to get more sales. Facilitated by Uncut Lab LLC.  

Registration Required: Register Online  

Sunday, May 18 

Inman Eats & Crafts, 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Inman Square  

Experience the best of Inman Square at Inman Eats & Crafts! This street fair showcases our unique shops, talented makers, and delicious food. Explore and enjoy all that Inman has to offer! Click here for more information.  

Free to all.  

Thursday, May 22

Banking on Growth: Connecting Business & Community, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Eastern Bank - Kendall Square, 415 Main Street

In celebration of National Small Business Month, Eastern Bank invites you to "Banking on Growth: Connecting Business & Community" — an evening dedicated to celebrating small businesses, building new relationships, and strengthening the network of support that helps our business communities thrive. Free to all.

Registration encouraged. Register Online

Tuesdays, May 27, June 3, June 10, and June 17  

Steps to Starting a Business Workshop Series, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Cambridge Public Library, Central Square, 45 Pearl St 

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. You'll get a solid understanding of the basics, including getting started, advertising, managing operations and money. Facilitated by Gustavo Consulting Group. 

Registration Required: Register Online  

Wednesday, May 28 

Succession Planning: Exploring Employee Ownership, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Online via Zoom 

This workshop is for small retail and restaurant business owners who are curious about employee ownership. Learn about the most common employee ownership models and explore the steps to transfer ownership to employees. All small businesses in Cambridge are invited but the workshop is open to anyone interested.  Facilitated by the ICA Group. 

Registration Required: Register Online  

Thursday, May 29 

Business Networking Event to Celebrate National Small Business Month and Asian-American / Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: PAGU, 310 Mass Ave 

The Cambridge Community Development Department and the Boston Foundation’s Asian Business Empowerment Council host a networking event to celebrate our Asian-American / Pacific Islander (AAPI) entrepreneurs and business owners to close out AAPI Heritage Month. Free and open to all.

Registration Required: Register Online

For More Information

If you have questions about Cambridge’s National Small Business Month activities, please contact Allyson J. Allen at aallen@cambridgema.gov or 617/349-9122.