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Small Business

Our team provides all small business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance to successfully start, grow, and build a business in Boston.
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Monthly small business FORUM

Our monthly small business forum on the final Thursday of every month at 3 p.m. features discussions on resources available to small businesses.

Register in advance

Contact
  • send an email
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201
  • icon-time
    Office hours
    Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Boston Means Business: Activation Grant Program

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

In celebration of Small Business Month, May 2025, the Office of Small Business is  excited to announce a grant opportunity for community-led activations that support small businesses and entrepreneurs- and bring vitality to our neighborhoods. Awards of up to $9,500 are available to provide full or partial funding for selected proposals. This community-led grant program provides an exciting opportunity to amplify small business support throughout the month.

Activations must be open to the public, and provide small business owners and entrepreneurs with the resources, tools, opportunities, or community engagement they need to grow, thrive, or celebrate success. Proposals that will be considered include, but are not limited to: business district events, small business workshops, training sessions, panels/forums, networking, pop-ups, and markets.  

This grant is directed at nonprofits, community organizations, and business collectives  with a proven track record of supporting and advocating for small businesses in Boston.

APPLY FOR THE ACTIVATION GRANT PROGRAM

Programs and Services

Connect with a business manager
Food Cart Pilot Program
Get a Supplier Diversity Certification for your business
Small Business Programs
Specialty Certifications
Small Business Funding

Events and Workshops

Events
Certification office hours for Minority / Women-owned Businesses (MWBE)
On Mar 26

Mar 26
Small Business Forum
On Mar 27

Mar 27
Certification office hours for Minority / Women-owned Businesses (MWBE)
On Apr 2

Apr 2
Certification office hours for Minority / Women-owned Businesses (MWBE)
On Apr 9

Apr 9
Mattapan Liquor License Info Session
On Apr 15

Apr 15
Certification office hours for Minority / Women-owned Businesses (MWBE)
On Apr 16

Apr 16
Certification office hours for Minority / Women-owned Businesses (MWBE)
On Apr 23

Apr 23
Small Business Forum
On Apr 24

Apr 24
Certification office hours for Minority / Women-owned Businesses (MWBE)
On Apr 30

Apr 30

PRE-RECORDED WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS

MONTHLY SMALL BUSINESS FORUM: AUGUST 29, 2024
COMMERCIAL LEASING WORKSHOP: MAY 28, 2024

Meet the Team

Team

Resources

Resources
Permits and Certifications
Licensing
Funding Opportunities
Business How-Tos
Programs
Help for Small Businesses
Contact
  • send an email
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201
  • icon-time
    Office hours
    Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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