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

OEOI STAFF SHARE THEIR 2024 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion is proud to celebrate our 2024 achievements. From honoring 30 new Legacy Business awardees and hosting the inaugural Climate Tech on the Plaza to supporting over 90 businesses with $10 million in ARPA funding through the SPACE Grant program and welcoming delegations from 70 countries to Boston—2024 was truly a year to remember!

Learn more from our team as they share what they accomplished this year and hear what they’re looking forward to in the new year!

CELEBRATING THE GRAND OPENINGS OF SPACE GRANTEES IN DECEMBER 2024

Last month, representatives from the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion joined two new businesses, Russ and Mimi's in Roslindale and Blue Mountain Jamaican Restaurant in Mattapan, for their grand openings.

Both businesses are grant recipients of the Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises (SPACE) Grants, which help businesses with expenses related to new lease agreements.

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS STRATEGY ALIA HAMADA FORREST ATTENDED 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF STRASBOURG'S LIBERATION

Since 1960, Strasbourg, France has been one of Boston's Sister Cities. Last month, Alia Hamada Forrest, Director of Business Strategy, represented the Mayor's Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion at the 80th-anniversary commemoration of Strasbourg's liberation.

During her visit, Alia met with the Mayor of Strasbourg, Jeanne Barseghian, and delegates from Strasbourg's other sister cities Dresden, Germany; Stuttgart, Germany; and Leicester, UK. She explored Strasbourg's innovation ecosystem, connecting with representatives from BioValley France, Nextmed Strasbourg, and Kaleidoscoop, a co-working and collaborative startup space.

The Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion looks forward to strengthening the collaboration between Boston and Strasbourg and learning from new connections made during Alia's visit.

LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION OFFICE HOURS

Do you need assistance with your liquor license application? The City of Boston Licensing Board is here to help! Liquor license application office hours hosted by the Licensing Board resume this Wednesday, January 8, from 3 PM to 5 PM, 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.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

ALL INDUSTRIES, ONE NIGHT: MEET BOSTON'S STARTUP

NETWORKING SCENE

January 29 | 120 Tremont Street | 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Startup Boston and the City of Boston are teaming up for a one-of-a-kind networking bash featuring over a dozen local groups building Boston’s startup scene. Whether you’re new to the game or already deep in the mix, this event is your fast pass to figuring out who can help level up your career or your company.

SMALL BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS WEBINAR ON THE POWER OF ATTRIBUTION

January 30 | Virtual | 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Join the Office of Small Business for a Small Business Webinar on the Power of Arbitration on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 11 am. This webinar will be presented by Lisa Romeo, Vice President of the American Arbitration Association International Centre for Dispute Resolution.

WCVB CITYLINE

Cityline: SPACE Grants help grow neighborhoods

Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion and SPACE Grant recipient Marcia Satchell of the Blue Mountain Jamaican Restaurant share why the SPACE Grant program has had a ripple affect across neighborhoods. [WATCH INTERVIEW]

THE BOSTON GLOBE

Liquor licenses, small business grants, and luring Lego: Segun Idowu thinks big to rebuild the city’s economy

Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, sits down with Janelle Nanos of the Boston Globe for this episode of Bold Types. [WATCH INTERVIEW]

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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