We are excited to share the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion December newsletter. Each month, we share news, upcoming events, and important information from our cabinet.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES THE THIRD ROUND OF SPACE GRANT AWARDEES, BENEFITING 32 ENTREPRENEURS ACROSS THE CITY

On Monday, November 18, Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion announced the awardees of the third and final round of the Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises (SPACE) Grant, celebrating 32 small businesses that recently opened or are about to open in Boston!

These 32 small businesses from 11 neighborhoods will receive over $2.8 million to help them with expenses related to new lease agreements.

SPACE GRANTEES SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES AT 'BEHIND THE SCENES OF A SPACE GRANTEE'

Last month, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosted an inspiring 'Behind the Scenes of a SPACE Grantee' event, bringing together past recipients of the Supporting Pandemic-Affected Community Enterprises (SPACE) grant for a lively panel at Democracy Brewing.

Moderated by Alia Hamada Forrest, Director of Business Strategy for the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, the event showcased the journeys and insights of local business leaders.

The panel featured:

• Morad Bouzidi, Owner and Executive Chef of Mo’Rockin Fusion

• Akou Diabakhate, Founder of Bold Skin Babe

• Yanique Shaw, Founder and CEO of Yanique Events and Boston Flower Company

Together, they shared the challenges they overcame, the role of government funding in their growth, and the transformative impact of the City of Boston’s SPACE Grant on their businesses. Their stories highlight the resilience and innovation that turned their visions into successful enterprises.

This event was funded by Needham Bank and part of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Pacesetters’ Behind the Scenes of an MBE series funded by Liberty Mutual Insurance.

LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION OFFICE HOURS TO CONTINUE IN THE NEW YEAR

Do you need assistance with your liquor license application? The City of Boston Licensing Board is here to help! The final 2024 liquor license application office hours takes place on Wednesday, December 11, from 3 PM to 5 PM.

Office hours will resume in the new year on Wednesday, January 8, and will continue through the spring. Before attending, check out the Liquor License FAQs and find detailed information on how to apply at boston.gov/alcohol-license-application.

SMALL BUSINESS

LEGACY BUSINESS WORKSHOP: GROWTH INITIATIVES

December 3 | Virtual | 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Join the Office of Small Business for a Legacy Business Workshop aimed at providing small businesses with professional guidance and support on growth initiatives.

THE CITY TALKS: POWER TO THE PEOPLE

December 5 | Henry and Lois Foster Gallery at the Museum of Fine Arts | 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Celebrate the exhibition “Power of the People: Art and Democracy” by joining Boston-based leaders and creatives for a dynamic conversation. Hear them discuss the role of institutions in the civic process and find out what democracy means to them. Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, will be a panelist.

NIGHTLIFE ECONOMY

MINNI X CODESIGN COLLABORATIVE - COZY QUILTS

December 6 | Minni South End | 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Join Minni and CoDesign Collaborative in making a cozy quilt! Families will be guided through the making of colorful patterns with soft felt shapes, fabric glue and simple stitching techniques to make cozy quilts, perfect for snuggling up with a favorite stuffy and a cup of hot cocoa! This free event is supported by the City of Boston's Wake Up the Night Grant.

TOURISM, SPORTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

MAYOR'S ENCHANTED TROLLEY TOUR

December 7 and 8 | Multiple Locations | 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

For the 28th year, the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour will continue the festive tradition of lighting trees while bringing holiday spirit to children across Boston. The event is sponsored by Bank of America, and includes visits with Santa, tree lightings, and more.

BOSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL

Immigrant businesses tout city aid in pandemic recovery

A home-based skincare business. A florist business that also operates a community workshop space. A Moroccan food vendor. These entrepreneurs are among the 61 recipients that have so far shared over $7 million through the city's SPACE Grant program. [READ MORE]

WBZ NEWS RADIO

A New Pop-Up Cafe Introduces Nightlife To Boston City Hall

A new pop-up cafe is bringing nightlife culture to Boston City Hall. The Night Cap Cafe is set up in the lobby of the building, featuring funky furniture and decor. [READ MORE]

SERVICES | EVENTS | NEWS | DEPARTMENTS

Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion

1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02201

econdev@boston.gov

617-635-5729

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