BizUnlocked Boston Business Access Program
The BizUnlocked Boston Business Access Program, led by the City of Boston's Office of Small Business in partnership with Tessi Consulting, empowers entrepreneurs in our city.
The deadline to apply to BizUnlocked Boston is April 10, 2026. View the application guide before applying.
Program Overview
Over four weeks, we accelerate your business progress through a dynamic blend of collaborative in-person workshops and interactive virtual sessions. This pilot program includes 30 hours of live instruction and 10 hours of self-paced activities designed to support your learning and business development.
You will gain a clear understanding of business planning, operations, marketing, and financing. By the end of the program, you will complete an initial business plan that can serve as a roadmap for growth or be used to pursue funding opportunities. You will also gain direct connections to resources that can support your business long after the training ends. When you join the BizUnlocked Boston training program, you walk away with more than knowledge:
- Gain the operational knowledge to run and grow your business confidently
- Connect with a curated cohort of fellow small business owners to build relationships
- Obtain invaluable expertise from our roster of small business guest experts
- Leave with a lasting community of support, so you are never alone on your entrepreneurship journey
UPCOMING INFO SESSIONS
Program Information
Program InformationWe are seeking motivated small business owners and entrepreneurs who are ready to invest in their future. Applicants should be:
- Business must be physically or virtually located in the City of Boston
- Early-stage, full-time entrepreneurs within the first three years of operation.
- Looking for support to organize, strengthen, and grow their business.
- Able to demonstrate commitment through actions already taken to advance their business.
- Willing to fully commit to the program schedule and actively participate in all sessions
This program is designed for entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of developing their business (typically within 3-5 years of launch) and have not yet participated in an extensive, multi-week training curriculum. Participation in shorter formats, such as workshops or pre-launch courses, does not affect eligibility. This ensures priority access for entrepreneurs who have not previously participated in a full, holistic business training experience.
If you are motivated, eager to learn, and ready to take your business to the next level, this program is for you.
This is your opportunity to build the business of your dreams. With limited spots available per cohort, this program is designed for those who are truly ready to act. Applications will open on April 10, 2026.
The Office of Small Business and Tessi Consulting have put together an application guide to help interested applicants better understand BizUnlocked Boston. We recommend reading the application guide before applying.
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To ensure you and your peers get the most out of this experience, we expect participants to:
- Attend all scheduled sessions (in-person & virtual)
- Engage actively in program discussions and group work
- Complete assigned exercises and homework between sessions
Graduating from the BizUnlocked Boston Business Access Program means walking away with a powerful toolkit for success:
Tools & Resources:
- Your initial business plan, strategic business roadmap, or business model plan that fits your business goals
- An official Certificate of Completion (valid up to three years), which provides eligibility for connections to capital support through various partners
Community Connections:
- Access to small business expert advisors
- Support from the City's small business ecosystem of key City departments (Licensing, Zoning, Inspectional Services, etc.)
- Access to 6 months of post-program group support sessions led by technical assistance service providers
- A built-in peer community of fellow entrepreneurs
A Path to Financial Support:
- Eligibility for the Neighborhood Grant Program* (must meet criteria)
- Guidance on securing loans and financing
*Grant eligibility is subject to meeting all federal and program-specific criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQsThe BizUnlocked Boston Business Access Program is designed for full-time entrepreneurs at the early stages of starting or growing a business. If you are within your first three years of operation, this business access program can help you gain clarity, structure, and resources to move forward.
This business access program is not a good fit if you:
- Are running a business that has been operating for more than three years and already has established systems and significant revenue.
- Are exploring a business idea as a side project and are not yet ready to commit as a full-time entrepreneur.
- Have completed a multi-week, accelerator-style or bootcamp-level entrepreneurship program within the past several years while operating your business.
The business access program is selective, with limited spots available per cohort. Applications will be reviewed based on demonstrated commitment, readiness to participate fully, and alignment with the program’s goals. Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to reapply for future program offerings.
All industries are welcome, including food services, retail, personal care, professional services, creative industries, and more. Businesses must be registered in the City of Boston in order to participate in the program. The business access program is designed to support a wide range of early-stage small businesses.
The BizUnlocked Boston Business Access Program is funded by the City of Boston and will be offered free of charge to participants.
While program graduates may be eligible for a grant through the Neighborhood Grant Program, not all participants will qualify. Eligibility is tied to federal funding requirements and specific program criteria. However, the program will provide businesses with options and resources for early-stage business financing.
Attendance at all sessions is required to receive the certificate of completion and to be considered for grant or loan opportunities.
The BizUnlocked Boston Business Access Program includes several components designed to support your learning and business development.
- 38 hours of live training sessions delivered through in-person and virtual workshops
- 10 hours of self-paced work to help you apply what you learn and develop your business plan or roadmap
- 9 hours of optional office hours where you can receive individualized guidance and ask questions
- 9 hours of group technical assistance sessions offered after the program to help you continue strengthening your business
The self-paced work may include completing assignments, drafting sections of your business plan or roadmap, preparing for upcoming sessions, and applying what you learn directly to your business.
While the office hours and technical assistance sessions are optional, they are highly encouraged to help you get the most value from the program.
The BizUnlocked Boston Business Access Program is designed as a cohort model, meaning you will learn alongside other small business owners. Sessions include opportunities to collaborate, share experiences, and build connections that may support your business long after the program ends.
After the program ends, your support continues. For six months, you will participate in monthly group technical assistance sessions led by expert advisors who can help you refine your business plan, strengthen operations, and troubleshoot real business challenges.
Applicants will be notified of the selection results by April 2026. Selected participants will receive an onboarding packet with details about the program schedule, expectations, and next steps.
