Boosting Business Blocks Grant

The Boosting Business Blocks grant, administered by the City of Cambridge Community Development Department's Economic Opportunity and Development Division, supports collaborative efforts by business associations or groups of small businesses to enhance the commercial vitality of their neighborhoods. This local funding opportunity provides up to $7,000 per fiscal year as a reimbursement-based grant for projects aimed at improving commercial areas in Cambridge. Funds are awarded for projects that invigorate local business districts through physical enhancements, promotional efforts, or business support initiatives, and must be fully executed before reimbursement. The program is part of the city’s broader economic development strategy and emphasizes equity by prioritizing applications from or serving historically excluded businesses. The grant supports a range of eligible activities such as installing public art like murals or flower baskets, organizing seasonal events, activating underutilized spaces, launching digital platforms to improve business visibility, or hosting training sessions to foster collaboration among businesses. However, some expenses are ineligible, including city permit or license fees, sales tax, maintenance or subscription costs, and previously purchased items. Staff time and printing costs are eligible but capped at 20% of total costs or $1,000, whichever is less. Duplicate funding from other city sources is not allowed. Eligibility is limited to business associations or groups of neighboring businesses based in Cambridge; individual businesses or residents may not apply. Applications must focus on commercial rather than residential areas and comply with relevant local regulations. Projects that involve property changes require written landlord consent. Projects led by or benefiting historically excluded groups—including women, people of color, veterans, disabled individuals, and LGBTQ+—are prioritized. The submission process requires a detailed application, including a project narrative, budget, letters of support, and if applicable, property owner consent and itemized quotes. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until April 14, 2026, unless funds run out earlier. However, for projects targeting the 2025 holiday season (November 29–December 30), applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on November 10, 2025. Approved applicants will receive a contract, and work may begin only after a formal "Notice to Proceed" is issued. Reimbursement is contingent upon submission of final receipts and an evaluation report. Applications are evaluated based on total cost, impact and sustainability, feasibility, and replicability. All projects must be completed and fully paid for by June 1, 2026, to receive reimbursement by the fiscal year end (June 30). Interested applicants can contact Sarah Jane Huber at 617-349-4624 or shuber@cambridgema.gov. The next anticipated application cycle will reopen in Fall 2025.

Submit early if targeting holiday season; work with EODD for benchmarks; expenses before contract not reimbursable; equity-focused projects prioritized