'20 Districts in 20 Days' campaign to support Boston Main Streets during the holiday season kicks off

As the City of Boston celebrates "Small Business Saturday," Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Mayor's Office of Economic Development are launching "20 Districts in 20 Days," a campaign to visit all Boston Main Streets districts to highlight small, locally-owned businesses and hidden treasures throughout our neighborhood commercial districts. Boston has over 40,000 small businesses which work to create, build and sustain healthy commercial districts throughout the City. 

"The holiday season is such a festive time in the City of Boston, and each year I look forward to exploring our Main Streets districts and supporting our small and local businesses throughout our neighborhoods," said Mayor Walsh. "Businesses in our local commercial districts employ our neighbors, give back to our communities and add to each neighborhood's vibrant and unique character. I encourage residents and visitors alike to join me in shopping small and supporting local businesses throughout the season and beyond." 

The "20 Districts in 20 Days" campaign is designed to highlight each Main Streets district's unique businesses, vibrant character and "hidden gems." The initiative also encourages holiday shoppers to choose and celebrate locally and for residents to explore different neighborhoods. City of Boston staff will tour small businesses and commercial districts and provide in-person resources. Residents are welcome to join, and holiday shoppers are encouraged to share their small, local business support with the hashtag "#WhereTheLocalsGo."

"The holiday season is the perfect time to show our support for Boston's Main Streets districts and our small business community, as well as remind residents and visitors of each neighborhood's unique establishments and offerings," said Natalia Urtubey, Director of Small Business, Mayor's Office of Economic Development. "We will be out there sharing information on our small business resources, like our facade improvement and signage program, hosting office hours, and celebrating the tremendous spirit each of these districts provide Boston all year long." 

"Four Corners Main Streets is excited to host our partners at the City," said Marcos Beleche, Executive Director of Four Corners Main Streets. "For us, it's another way to connect local merchants to opportunities that can ultimately open bigger doors to greater resources that can facilitate business growth."

Boston's 40,000 plus small businesses generate around $15 billion in annual revenue and approximately 170,000 jobs, representing roughly 44 percent of employment and 37 percent  of revenues for the city's private, for-profit businesses. Released in March 2016, the City of Boston's first-ever Small Business Plan tasked the Mayor's Office of Economic Development, other city departments, and external partners to make Boston's small business economy thrive, enhance neighborhood vibrancy, and foster economic and social inclusion and equity. 

To show your support, we encourage supporters to utilize our  social media toolkit. For a full schedule, details, and additional information on the Boston Main Streets program, please visit boston.gov/small-business.

The Economic Development Cabinet's mission is to make Boston an appealing and accessible place for working families, entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors to innovate, grow, and thrive in a way that fosters inclusion, broadens opportunity, and shares prosperity, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all Bostonians and the experience for all visitors. Learn more on their website.

Developed out of a partnership between the City of Boston and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Boston Main Streets initiative was created in 1995 as the first urban, multi-district Main Streets program in the nation, with the goal of establishing thriving commercial districts throughout the city.  Boston Main Streets is a successful model for urban commercial district revitalization that strengthens local business districts through strong organizational development, community participation, resident and merchant education and sustainable development. Boston Main Streets continues to empower individuals in the small business sector to have a direct role in the economic health, physical appearance, and development of their own community.