The Cannabis Equity Grant provided funds to a nonprofit organization to support cannabis equity businesses. This grant was intended for nonprofits and fiscal sponsors to apply, not cannabis equity applicants and businesses.

The Boston Cannabis Equity Program hosted a virtual info session about the Boston Cannabis Equity Grant on January 30, 2025. This session included a detailed walk-through of the application process, key eligibility criteria, and a question-and-answer segment. 

Presented by TD Bank, this workshop is intended for business owners who want to understand their financing options and which option may be best for their business. Why Does Your Business Need Additional Capital? How Much Do You Need? How Will You Pay it Back? What and how it will be used for? How will it affect your bottom line?

Join us Saturday October 11, from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Engine 17 Ladder 7

• Meet your firefighters!
• Explore fire trucks and gear
• Walk-through fire safety bounce house
• Learn life-saving fire safety tips
• Family fun, giveaways, foos, and safety demonstrations!

Are you a small business owner looking to boost your sales at markets? Join us for a fun and informative session on preparing your business for selling at markets!

REGISTER

The City of Boston Office of Small Business is partnering with the Center for Women and Enterprise to host a panel on preparing to vend at holiday and pop-up markets. Panelists from well-known market organizers and experienced small business owners will take questions from attendees and share their thoughts on best practices and how to set your business up for success.

Learn valuable tips and tricks from experienced market sellers, network with other entrepreneurs, and get ready to take your business to the next level!

Panelists:

Howard Resnick - Downtown Boston Alliance

Cara Loffredo - Boston Women’s Market

Manjari Saha - Founder of Mayur Natural and Pariva

Event Details

When: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Where: Suffolk University, 1 Court Street, Conference Room A/B, Boston, MA 02108

A virtual option is also available. CLICK HERE to register.

• Pre-registration is greatly appreciated.
• Coffee and light snacks will be served.
• Please submit a question or topic ahead of time by emailing smallbiz@boston.gov with the subject: Market Panel.

Notice of Accommodations

Interpretation, translation, and disability accommodation services are available to you at no cost. If you need accommodation services, please contact Lindsey Swett at lindsey.swett@boston.gov or 617-635-3009, by Friday, October 10th.

Join the City of Boston’s Office of Small Business for a Small Business Resource Fair on Wednesday, October 22 at the Roslindale Community Center!

REGISTER

Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow your business, the Small Business Resource Fair offers a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and speak directly with City of Boston departments that support small businesses every day.

📅 Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

🕒 Time: 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

📍 Location: Roslindale Community Center, 6 Cummins Hwy, Roslindale 02131

This drop-in style resource fair will feature:

• One-on-one conversations with City staff
• Information on starting, building, and expanding a business in Boston
• Networking opportunities with other small business owners
• Light refreshments

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.

Notice of Accommodations

Interpretation, translation, and disability accommodation services are available to you at no cost. If you need accommodation services, please contact Lindsey Swett at lindsey.swett@boston.gov or 617-635-3009, by Friday, October 10th.

City of Boston Departments

• Age Strong
• Boston Local Development Corp.
• Consumer Affairs and Licensing
• Environment
• Inspectional Services Health & Building
• Office for Immigrant Advancement 
• Office of Emergency Management 
• Office of Neighborhood Services
• Office of Small Business
• Office of Women’s Advancement 
• Parks and Recreation
• Planning
• Procurement
• Supplier Diversity

The Office of Small Business will host a Small Business Coffee Hour on Wednesday, October 8 at Dahlia's Garden at 722 Dudley Street in Dorchester from 10 am to 12 pm. 

Small business owners are invited to attend and connect with the City of Boston's Office of Small Business to learn about available programs and resources. 

La Oficina de Pequeñas Empresas organizará una hora de café para pequeñas empresas el miércoles 8 de octubre en Dahlia's Garden en 722 Dudley Street en Dorchester de 10 a. m. a 12 p. m.