We are excited to share the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion October newsletter featuring news, updates, and important information from our Cabinet. |
|
THIS WEEK, THE DEPARTMENT OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY CELEBRATES SUPPLIER DIVERSITY WEEK
Today marks the start of the City of Boston’s Supplier Diversity Week, taking place October 27 through October 31.
Throughout Supplier Diversity Week, the Department of Supplier Diversity will host a series of free and open networking events, informational sessions, and workshops to highlight and promote diversity and inclusion within Boston’s business community. These events include: |
|
NOMINATE A LONG STANDING BUSINESS FOR THE LEGACY BUSINESS AWARDS
It is the final week of the nomination period for the fourth annual Legacy Business Awards. Residents are encouraged to nominate long standing businesses that have been located within the city of Boston for at least 10 years and contribute to the cultural, historical, and societal fabric of their community or neighborhood.
To nominate a business, residents can use the online form, visit their local Boston Public Library branch for assistance filling out the form, or call the Office of Small Business at 617-635-0355 for assistance. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, October 31, 2025. |
|
GLOBAL AFFAIRS TEAM HOSTS BOSTON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LEADERS FOR GLOBAL BUSINESS CONNECT 2025
Last Thursday, October 23, the City of Boston’s Global Affairs team welcomed international business leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of the Consular Corps to the Civic Pavilion at Boston City Hall for Global Business Connect 2025.
Global Business Connect 2025 brought together leaders from across international business sectors to share City of Boston resources for startups and international businesses, highlight upcoming global business conference opportunities, and provide space for networking with peers and the Global Affairs team.
If you are interested in engaging with the Global Affairs team, email globalaffairs@boston.gov. |
|
TOURISM, SPORTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT |
|
OPEN STREETS BOSTON MAKES DEBUT IN MATTAPAN
On Saturday, October 18, Open Streets Boston launched its first event in Mattapan, transforming Blue Hill Avenue from River Street to Babson Street into a car-free pedestrian zone featuring local businesses and community organizations, vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Participating vendors included Boston Flower Co., Black Dollar, and Dorchester Food Co-op. City of Boston departments including Planning, Black Male Advancement, Immigrant Advancement, and Veteran Services also participated in the event.
There is one more Open Streets event scheduled for the 2025 season! Join the City of Boston on Sunday, November 2 for Open Streets Boston - Jamaica Plain along Centre Street from 10:30 am to 3 pm. |
CITY OF BOSTON LICENSING BOARD APPROVES FOUR NEW LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATIONS
Last Thursday, October 23, the City of Boston Licensing Board approved four new liquor licenses for restaurants across Boston. The approved applicants include Bono Restaurant and Catering in East Boston, El Barrio Mexican Grill and Mondo in the South End, and The Mix Vault in Roxbury. All businesses were approved for zip code-restricted all alcohol licenses. These businesses completed the application and community process prior to May 23, qualifying them for the second round of the allocation process.
The City has ramped up efforts to increase applications for the remainder of the 2025 neighborhood restricted licenses. The remaining 65 neighborhood restricted licenses will become available on January 1, 2026, allowing small business owners in communities like East Boston and the South End to access these opportunities. The deadline for consideration will be announced soon.
Potential liquor license applicants are encouraged to start the process as soon as possible. The Mayor’s Office of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the Office of Neighborhood Services, and Office of Small Business staff will continue to support potential applicants. The City of Boston Licensing Board hosts virtual office hours addressing the liquor license application process. Applicants can also make a drop-in appointment with the Boston Licensing Board at City Hall, Room 809 by contacting 617-635-4170 or emailing licensingboard@boston.gov. |
|
SUPPLIER DIVERSITY SMALL BUSINESS NETWORKING MIXER October 30, 2025 | Hue Boston | 6 pm - 8:30 pm
Join the Department of Supplier Diversity for an evening of networking between small business owners, technical assistance providers, the City's Procurement team, and many others committed to supporting Boston's small business ecosystem. |
TOURISM, SPORTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT OPEN STREETS BOSTON: JAMAICA PLAIN November 2, 2025 | Centre Street | 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Centre Street from Lamartine Street to South Street will close to vehicular traffic to safely make space for music, games, bicycling, community tabling, and more. Shop and support Open Streets vendors and local, small businesses as they expand to the street! |
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND INCLUSION LIFTING AS WE CLIMB: BUILDING COMMUNITY AND CAPITAL FOR UNDERREPRESENTED FOUNDERS November 6, 2025 | Civic Pavilion | 6 pm - 8 pm
This panel hosted by Startup Boston and the City of Boston dives into how founders and investors are creating real change by supporting one another, sharing resources, and building networks that last. |
|
BOSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL Commentary: Celebrating the contributions of women business owners In honor of National Women's Small Business Month, City of Boston Director of Small Business Aliesha Porcena celebrates the contribution of women business owners and highlights the work of the Office of Small Business. [READ MORE]
CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER Boston's Nightlife Scene Is Finally Up Past Bedtime City of Boston Director of Nightlife Economy Corean Reynolds discusses her role and the city's nightlife ecosystem in this article on positive changes happening in Boston's nightlife scene. [READ MORE] |
|
Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Segun Idowu and Deputy Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Donald Wright with Madhouse Motors and Madhouse Cafe owner J. Shia, Specialty Mechanic Rami, and Maintenance Mechanic Benny of Madhouse Motors. |
BOSTON BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: MADHOUSE MOTORS AND MADHOUSE CAFE
Earlier this month, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Segun Idowu and Deputy Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Donald Wright visited Madhouse Motors and Madhouse Cafe in Roxbury. They met with the owner of both establishments, J. Shia, who is an internationally recognized and award-winning custom motorcycle builder from Boston.
Over a decade ago, Shia established Madhouse Motors, a motorcycle repair shop specializing in antique and custom machines. Since its founding, J. has emerged as one of the world’s leading motorcycle builders and designers. In 2022, Shia launched Madhouse Café next door, which offers locally roasted coffees and Lebanese-inspired pastries and dishes.
The Office of Small Business has worked closely with Madhouse Motors and Madhouse Cafe over the past few years, providing exterior signage support through the ReStore program and assistance through the ReFRESH grant.
Learn more about Madhouse Motors at www.madhousemotors.com.
Learn more about Madhouse Cafe at www.madhousecafe.com. |
|
Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion 1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02201 econdev@boston.gov 617-635-5729 |
|
|
|
|
