National Small Business Week: May 2-8, 2021

Join the City of Cambridge in celebrating National Small Business Week, May 2-8, 2021! Throughout the week join us for webinars and other events to provide resources to local small businesses and entrepreneurs, and to celebrate the importance of small businesses to Cambridge's vibrant community. Don't forget to check out our social media channels all week long as we celebrate Cambridge's small businesses. 

Events are open to Cambridge business owners, entrepreneurs and residents.

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

“Promoting National Small Business Week is as critical as ever. Our small businesses have faced enormous challenges throughout the last year,“ said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale in a joint statement. “The City of Cambridge is committed to continuing to provide support to our small businesses to preserve and enhance our dynamic local economy and protect this vital part of our community."

National Small Business Week Events

Note: Event details are subject to change.

Sunday, May 2

Start the week off by shopping small! Here are some resources to get your started:

• List of businesses open in Cambridge
• List of non-profits open in Cambridge
• Cambridge Diversity Directory (PDF)
• East Cambridge Business Association's Spring Retailer Guide
• Check out events in Harvard Square
• Check out Cambridge Local First's directories and guides
• Small Business Week Specials:
  • B.Royal Boutique - Free Shipping on all purchases between May 2-8, 2021 with the code: shipping
  • EH Chocolatier - Check out the Mother's Day collection
  • Harvard Book Store - Explore the online book display on supporting small businesses and resisting Amazon
  • Hilton Realty Homes - Private one-on-one info sessions and 4% listing package for Cambridge residents (good for one year)
  • Hubba Hubba -  “Ask an expert” and get real solutions to your pleasure problems
  • Little Star of Ours - Offering full and part-time childcare services
  • Living Harmony - Free online organizing classes between May 2-8, 2021
  • Mike's Monster Guitar - Offering guitar repair services
  • Teddy's Shoes - All sandals - buy one, get one half off between May 2-8, 2021

Monday, May 3

Small Business Assistance Info Session, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online (Zoom)

Are you interested in learning more about the programs and resources the City of Cambridge offers to small businesses? Attend this session for a quick introduction to the city's small business programs. Presenter: City of Cambridge's Economic Development Division. Free to all. Registration is required. Register online here.

Tuesday, May 4

Small Business Virtual Office Hours, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Online (Zoom)

Do you have questions on local issues that impact your business? Do you have questions on permits and licenses? The City of Cambridge invites Cambridge small business owners to attend Small Business Virtual Office Hours to have your questions answered by knowledgeable City staff. Free to all. Registration is required. Click here for more information and to register. 

Becoming a Vendor with the City, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Online (Zoom)

Are you interested in learning more about how to do business with the City of Cambridge? Attend this workshop to learn how to become a vendor with the city and how to find current bids available to vendors. Presenter: City of Cambridge. This session is free to all. Registration is required. Click here to register. 

Wednesday, May 5 

Small Business Zoom Networking Session, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Online (Zoom)

Looking to connect with fellow business owners? Join the City of Cambridge and the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network, a partnership with Cambridge Local First and Sustainable Business Network, for a Zoom Networking Session! Please note, when you register for this event, we will be sharing your contact information with attendees. This event is open to everyone. Click here to register. 

Thursday, May 6 

Start It Up! Build, Learn & Connect to Grow Your Startup, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Online (Zoom)

The City of Cambridge and The Capital Network are partnering to bring you Start It Up!, an on-line event to help support Cambridge-based early-stage entrepreneurs and founders who are at the seed stage looking to scale up. This event is particularly for startups and entrepreneurs in the fields of: high tech, life science, consumer products, and clean energy.  You’ll learn about the different funding options that are good for your business and growth stage.  You’ll meet with investors, funding experts and fellow entrepreneurs that can support you along your journey. Free to all. Click here to register.

Friday, May 7

How to Respond to City Quote or Bid Workshop, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Online (Zoom)

Are you interest in submitting a proposal on a City of Cambridge solicitation of quotes or invitation for bids, but not sure where to start? Join us at this session to learn more about the common items needed when responding to a solicitation of quotes or submitting a bid. This session is free to all. Registration is required. Click here to register. 

Saturday, May 8

Shop Small at Central Square's Popportunity (corner of Bishop Allen Dr. and Norfolk St.), 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. (Weather permitting)

Support some new small businesses at Central Square's outdoor pop up retail space. Click here for more information.  

For More Information

If you have questions about Cambridge National Small Business Week, please contact Pardis Saffari at psaffari@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4654.