Join us for a practical conversation on leasing, permitting, and what it takes to go from idea to storefront.

At the center of the region’s transit network, Downtown Boston offers unmatched access to workers, visitors, and residents, along with a dense mix of retail, dining, and cultural destinations. Downtown is one of the most visible and dynamic places to launch or expand a business — but understanding how to make it work requires the right information and connections. 

As part of Small Business Month, the Downtown Boston Alliance is convening a focused panel of practitioners actively shaping the Downtown retail landscape. Speakers include representatives from the Downtown Boston Alliance, commercial real estate, property ownership, the City of Boston’s small business team, and a business owner who has recently navigated the process. 

We’ll walk through what it takes to go from concept to opening: how to identify and evaluate space, how leasing and permitting work, and what resources are available to support your business. 

Following the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with speakers and fellow participants. For those actively exploring a location, this is a chance to begin conversations that can lead to next steps in Downtown Boston. 

Light refreshments will be provided. Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged.

We'll cover eligible project types, application tips, and share examples of successful efforts. We are pleased to spotlight insights from our guest speakers: 

Melanie Soto - Charlestown Peace Park

Lois Alksninis - 150 River Street Garden

Andira Alves - Harriet Tubman Freedom Park

This meeting will be held on zoom. Please register below to receive a secure zoom meeting link. 

This meeting will be held on zoom. Please register below to receive a secure zoom meeting link. 

We will review eligibility requirements, the application process, and more. Our team is here to support you in bringing your vision to life for 2027.

Boston Centers for Youth & Families, the Public Facilities Department, the Mayor's Office of Housing, and Boston Public Schools are studying the feasibility of adding housing with a new community center and possibly an elementary school at the Jackson Mann School site in Allston-Brighton. The study tests a range of community center sizes based on the previously completed programming and siting study, as well as a mix of affordable and market-rate housing. 

Fathers in Cannabis brings together dispensaries and cannabis professionals for a father-led basketball tournament centered on community, connection, wellness, and culture. This high-energy event will feature dispensary vs. dispensary team matchups, community engagement, music, networking, and cannabis education throughout the day.

Come get Social in the City with us as we celebrate fathers, mentors, leaders, and community builders helping shape the future of the cannabis industry both on and off the court.

RegistER HERe 

Juneteenth Elevated brings Cannabis Empowerment Week into the community as we join the historic Juneteenth Celebration at Franklin Park.

Stop by our tent and connect with the Cannabis Industry Development Team, explore educational resources, ask questions about social consumption and cannabis policy, and engage in conversations surrounding equity, opportunity, and community impact.

Come get Social in the City with us and enjoy a day of unity, joy, and liberation as we honor history while embracing the future.

Event Disclaimer: The Juneteenth Celebration is organized by a third party. We are participating as a vendor only and are not responsible for event production or overall event operations. For more information, event details and policies, please refer to the official event organizers. 

REGISTER HERE

BENTOPIA: Juneteenth Edition is a community-centered cultural experience taking place during BENTOPIA, the largest outdoor day party curated by B.ENT. This activation invites residents, consumers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to engage with the City of Boston's Cannabis Industry Development Team around cannabis education, equity, culture, and the evolving future of cannabis in Boston, while celebrating Juneteenth and partying at BENTOPIA. 

Come get Social in the City with us on Juneteenth as we vend at BENTOPIA.

PLEASE NOTE: BENTOPIA is a ticketed, third-party event. We are participating as a vendor and are not hosting or managing the event. Please refer to the official organizers for tickets and event information. For More Information contact the organizers by text at 781.408.0612. 

get tickets online

 CONNECT WITH THE ORGANIZERS

LIVE and LIT: Curated Cannabis Events is an exploration of what cannabis-centered event experiences could potentially look like in Boston through the event organizer license type. Through a live visual walkthrough, guests will experience operational concepts, event flow, entertainment integration, compliance considerations, and curated social environments designed around cannabis-friendly programming and experiences.

This interactive educational experience explores how cannabis could intersect with live entertainment, festivals, art, music, culture, nightlife, and special events throughout the City.

Come get Social in the City with us as we explore the future possibilities of curated cannabis events in Boston.

REGISTER HERE

High Hospitality explores how social consumption could intersect with Boston’s hospitality, nightlife, arts, wellness, and entertainment industries through the hospitality license type. This visual walkthrough will examine the possibilities, challenges, and operational considerations surrounding cannabis-friendly spaces designed for social engagement and curated experiences.

Attendees will see how hospitality-focused social consumption models could create new opportunities for businesses, partnerships, and  activation throughout the City. 

Come get Social in the City with us as we explore the future possibilities of cannabis hospitality in Boston. 

REGISTER HERE

Consuming on Site invites attendees ages 21+ to meet us at an existing dispensary for a live walkthrough exploring what social consumption could look like through the supplemental license type in Boston. Guests will experience the space through an operational lens while learning about regulatory requirements, consumer flow, compliance considerations, designated consumption areas, and how existing cannabis businesses could integrate on-site consumption into their operations.

Come get Social in the City with us for a real-world look at the future possibilities of cannabis spaces in the City.

Register for the event