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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Small Business Documentation Office Hours are designed to provide constituents with hands-on support with the documentation they need to receive assistance from the Office of Small Business. This is a designated space where constituents can receive individualized assistance rather than only reading written instructions provided. These dedicated office hours are led by Office of Small Business staff bi-weekly on Fridays at 1 p.m. beginning March 20, 2026.
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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. -
Summer of 2026 Survey
Throughout the events of the Summer of 2026, the City of Boston wants to make sure your business gets involved! Please complete our brief survey to help us understand your level of interest and how we can help you!
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
-
26 Court Street
Boston, MA 02108 -
Office hoursMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
-
Summer of 2026 Survey
Throughout the events of the Summer of 2026, the City of Boston wants to make sure your business gets involved! Please complete our brief survey to help us understand your level of interest and how we can help you!
