Small Business
Neighborhood Business Managers can provide answers about permitting and licensing, developing a business plan, selecting a location, or other critical business-related matters. Our experts will respond to your inquiry quickly and confidentially.
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Contact
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26 Court Street
Boston, MA 02108 -
Office hoursMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SMALL BUSINESS MONTH ACTIVATION GRANT
In celebration of Small Business Month in May 2026, the Office of Small Business is excited to announce a grant opportunity for business supporting nonprofit organizations to create activations that provide the small business community with the resources, tools, opportunities, or engagement they need to grow, thrive, and celebrate success.
This community-led activation program provides an exciting opportunity to amplify small business support throughout the month, and bring vitality to our neighborhoods. 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.
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Individual awards of up to $9,500, are available to provide full or partial funding for selected proposals.
- This grant is directed at nonprofits and community organizations with a proven track record of supporting and advocating for small businesses in Boston. Grant recipients must have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
- All activations must be free and open to the public, and held within the City of Boston.
LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR THE ACTIVATION GRANT PROGRAM
If you have questions about this grant program, please contact Lindsey Swett, Strategic Initiatives Manager, at lindsey.swett@boston.gov.
- Application Launch Date: January 30, 2026
- Information Session Date and virtual meeting link: Wednesday, February 11, 9:30 - 10:00am, Virtual Meeting Link (Zoom)
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Review Period: February–March 2026
- Award Notification: March 2026
- Grant Period: Grant-funded activations must be completed between May 1, 2026–May 31, 2026
Programs and Services
Programs and ServicesThe City of Boston is partnering with Prepshift to offer a free, 8-week Catering Accelerator Program designed specifically for Boston restaurant owners who want to grow the catering side of their existing food business. Application deadline: Sunday, February 1 at 12 pm.
Through a community nomination process, the Legacy Business program celebrates and supports 30 longstanding businesses each year. Once a business has been designated as a Legacy Business, they receive targeted technical assistance with a focus on succession planning and employee ownership.
Main Streets launched in Boston with the creation of the Roslindale Village Main Street organization in 1983. Presently, the Office of Small Business oversees a network of 20 independent nonprofit Main Streets organizations across the city and uses a comprehensive revitalization approach to create, build, and sustain healthy commercial districts.
The Mobile Enterprise Program offers support and assistance to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their food truck, push cart, or other non-static businesses.
The Outdoor Dining Program facilitates permitting and technical assistance for restaurants seeking to add outdoor dining areas and patios.
ReStore Boston helps eligible businesses and commercial property owners improve their storefronts by providing financial and design assistance for signage and facade renovations.
The Technical Assistance program pairs aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners with consultants and subject matter experts to address areas of concern on a project basis. They are designed to provide business owners with the tools needed to start, strengthen, or expand their business.
A ribbon cutting celebrates the opening of your business. It also introduces neighborhood residents to your business, increasing your visibility. The City of Boston Office of Small Business is interested in supporting your business with your ribbon cutting event.
EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS
EventsSmall Business Resources
ResourcesHow We Define Small Business
The purpose of the Small Business Report is to provide the City of Boston with a roadmap of actionable strategies to support the vitality of the city’s small businesses, while also offering comprehensive insights to support implementation and execution of current and new policies and programs to support Boston’s entrepreneurs.
PRE-RECORDED WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS
SMALL BUSINESS TAX RESOURCES
Tax Resources
Contact
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26 Court Street
Boston, MA 02108 -
Office hoursMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
