Building and Supporting a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Local Economy.
What is the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network (CSBBN)?
The Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network, facilitated by Nicola Williams of The Williams Agency and sponsored by the Sustainable Business Network of MA (SBN) and Cambridge Local First (CLF), brings together Black entrepreneurs and identifies specific programs that can be developed or adopted to help ensure these businesses survive the pandemic and thrive moving forward. This new initiative will convene and work with Black-owned businesses based in Cambridge and Somerville that are in at least one of these phases: start-up; expansion; recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Need a Grant to Build Capacity? The Cambridge Equity Fund Grant Application will be available soon
The Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network is excited to share details about the new Cambridge Equity Fund grant opportunity for Black-owned small businesses. This $700,000 grant program offers funding, technical assistance, and mentorship across three categories: early-stage, home-based, and brick-and-mortar businesses.
The Cambridge Equity Fund seeks to address Black entrepreneurs’ desires for access to responsible capital, and initially it is a grant program that will offer:
$700,000 in grant funding for Cambridge businesses
Grants, technical assistance, and mentorship provided
Please also join us for an information session to learn more about the Cambridge Equity Fund grant program. We will be hosting several information sessions about this grant opportunity. Sign up for one of our upcoming information sessions. The dates in March are: March, 25th, 26th and 28th. RSVP at the link below.
How Can I Join CSBBN? Sign up here for year-long membership!
Black Business Month Pop-up Passport Event Aug, 2023
Cambridge Black-Owned Small Business Town Hall
The Steering Committee of the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network (CSBBN) invites you to a special in-person Cambridge Black-Owned Business Town Hall, Cambridge on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 6:30pm- 8:30pm at the Community Art Center, 119 Windsor Street in Central Square. The event is sponsored by Sustainable Business Network and Cambridge Local First. Please join us! The City of Cambridge revealed their Disparity Study Report on 12/21/23. The results are worse than we expected and we need the support of this community. Join us to discuss strategies and solutions and actions for creating a positive ecosystem for Black Business in Cambridge. We want to hear from local entrepreneurs, experts, and community leaders. We'll explore what actions that need to be in place for Black businesses in Cambridge to sustain, grow and thrive. We want to explore offer ideas, input, and solutions for a vibrant, welcoming and supportive ecosystem for Black-owned businesses in the City of Cambridge.
CSBBN advocated for this landmark Cambridge Disparity Study which revealed that in a 5-year period while the City of Cambridge procured $260 million in contracts, only $60,000 was contracted to Black-owned businesses. The results are not much better across the board for Hispanic-owned and women-owned businesses.
See an article about the study results from WGBH here and the Boston Globe here.
7th CSBBN Passport Pop-Up Event
Shop Black-Owned Businesses, February 9 & 10, 2024 in Harvard Square!
The Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network is partnering with Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts, Cambridge Local First, and independent business alliances. Join us for the 7th Passport to Black Businesses Pop-up at One Brattle Square at the old "Spyce" location in Harvard Square. This event is more than just shopping. It's an opportunity to connect with passionate business owners, hear their inspiring stories, and support their dreams. By attending, you become part of a movement that uplifts and elevates black-owned businesses in our community. The event is free to attend. We can't wait to see you there!
Shop for gift items, vegan treats, soaps, sauces, bags, jewelry, fine art, dog treats, and more. Free event!
Event Times: Friday 2/9, 12-7pm; Saturday 2/20 11am -7pm
Sponsors include Cambridge Savings Bank. Harvard Square Business Association, and Beacon Properties. Thanks to the Beacon Capital Partners and Harvard Square Business Association for their collaboration and support in this effort to promote Black-owned businesses in Harvard Square.
Membership Benefits
Networking Opportunities
In addition to our private Facebook Group for CSBBN, we will hold networking sessions for members at every meeting. Members will also receive membership in SBN and CLF.
Further, we will share offerings through our community partners, such as the City of Cambridge and the City of Somerville.
Continuous Learning
CSBBN hosts free workshops about building your business, such as their inaugural workshop entitled, "Building Banking Relationships that Stick" sponsored by Sustainable Business Network and Cambridge Local First.
Also, we have a newsletter with funding opportunities, policy updates, and member insights.
Technical Assistance
Our team will identify and promote technical assistance for CSBBN members, as well as by record and capture summaries that can be shared with the wider CSBBN members and site.
Mentorship
The MTMi Mentorship Program aims to develop beneficial one-on-one relationships between entrepreneurs.
Mentors will be able to share their own experiences and knowledge of the current business landscape.
A successful mentor program provides opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurship through interaction with successful entrepreneurs; gain an experienced entrepreneur's perspective on applying textbook concepts to real-life situations; familiarize themselves with business protocol.
A mentor program benefits professionals by allowing them to contribute to the professional development of future entrepreneurs; identify potential partners and new vendors for their organization.
Advocacy
CSBBN will take part in advocacy for BIPOC businesses in partnership with SBN and BECMA statewide, AMIBA nationally, CLF and JPLF locally, and more.
SBN will be aggregating data from businesses, organizations, and municipalities to best advocate for local business needs and utilize this Black Business Directory. This robust data collection will serve to inform the public and policymakers about how to best help Black businesses thrive.
Subcommittees
Make your impact on a subcommittee. Potential groups may focus on diversifying retail, empowering high-traffic commercial zones, networking, and procurement.
Membership Benefits | One Year’s Membership*
Cambridge Local First (CLF)
Inclusion in business campaigns
Inclusion in our directory and map
Monthly newsletters
Opportunity to promote events in our newsletter and social media
Invitations to all CLF events
Eligibility to participate on our Board or on Committees
And more!
The full value proposition is here, and full member benefits are here.
Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN)
Networking: Access to SBN’s member only groups
Visibility: Business listing on SBN’s Members Page
Visibility: Marketing via SBN’s social networks
Discounts: First access & discounts to SBN events
Resources: Connection to pre-vetted SBN Member service providers
And more!
View full member benefits here.
How Can I Join CSBBN?
Sign up here for year-long membership!
You will gain access to:
Automatic one-year membership for Cambridge Local First (CLF) and Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN),
Free or discounted access to conferences, such as AMIBA’s latest How Businesses Can Survive and Thrive
PR and promotion through the networks you gain access to
Updates on key policy changes and the ability to advocate on behalf of your business
Information about technical assistance (TA) opportunities
Connections to financial resources
A newsletter with useful information for entrepreneurs
A robust business network
A diverse pool of mentors
Free access to workshops for building your business
The ability to impact change through collaborating on subcommittees in your area of interest
Sign up at this link and check out our website which will host event information and recorded content.
Join our private Facebook group for Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network