We are excited to share the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion May newsletter featuring news, updates, and information from our Cabinet. | | ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND INCLUSION | |
EXPLORE BOSTON WITH THE NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS GUIDE
This month, the Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Cabinet launched the City of Boston’s Neighborhood Business Guide, which features a variety of businesses across Boston neighborhoods. Throughout the FIFA World Cup™ (and the entire summer of 2026) the City of Boston wants to make sure residents and tourists explore our neighborhoods and visit our vibrant businesses.
To be featured in the Neighborhood Business Guide, businesses can complete the City of Boston FIFA World Cup 2026 Participation Survey.
Please note: The Neighborhood Business Guide only features businesses located within the city of Boston.
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MAYOR WU BRINGS TOGETHER INDUSTRY LEADERS FOR “THE FUTURE OF BOSTON’S INNOVATION ECONOMY CONVENING”
Last week, Mayor Wu joined business leaders from the tech, healthcare, education, biotech, and finance industries at Flagship Pioneering to continue the discussion around the future of the innovation economy in Boston and Cambridge. A panel—featuring Jellyfish, Underscore VC, and Flagship Pioneering—was followed by structured networking, including a facilitated table by Interim Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Donald Wright and Director of Business Strategy Alia Forrest. Their table focused on the recruitment and retention of businesses and talent.
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40+ COMPANIES SHOWCASE THEIR CLIMATE SOLUTIONS AT CLIMATE TECH CROSSING
On Wednesday, May 6, Downtown Crossing transformed into Climate Tech Crossing. During Climate Tech Crossing, more than 40 climate tech companies showcased cutting-edge solutions designed to mitigate and combat climate change.
Held during Boston Climate Week, Climate Tech Crossing brought together innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders committed to accelerating the deployment of technologies that will reshape our urban landscape and help secure a more sustainable future.
At the event, Clare Kelly, Chief of Staff to Mayor Michelle Wu, presented a proclamation declaring May 6, 2026 “Climate Tech Crossing Day” in Boston. The proclamation encouraged all residents, business leaders, and innovators to join in this effort to advance the technological solutions necessary to protect our environment and build a more resilient Boston for generations to come.
This year’s Climate Tech Crossing was presented by the City of Boston, ACT | The Alliance for Climate Transition, the Downtown Boston Alliance, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and Schneider Electric.
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MAYOR WU MEETS WITH NEW ENGLAND CONSULAR CORPS AHEAD OF FIFA WORLD CUP
Earlier this month, Mayor Wu and City of Boston staff met with the New England Consular Corps to discuss opportunities for Boston’s economy and communities presented by FIFA World Cup 2026, Boston 250, and Sail Boston.
Bringing together our international community this summer means creating meaningful opportunities for cultural and economic engagement across Boston. The City is working to do that through multiple channels, including our Neighborhood Business Guide, and the upcoming soccer Fan Fest on City Hall Plaza.
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OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS AND PARTNERS HOST 40+ EVENTS IN CELEBRATION OF SMALL BUSINESS MONTH
Throughout the month, the Office of Small Business and partners continues to host a slate of Small Business Month events, resources, and curated social media content grounded in the theme “Exploring Possibilities. Creating Opportunities.” In collaboration with Office of Small Business Technical Assistance providers, the Office of Small Business is leading event series and workshops throughout the month to support small business owners and entrepreneurs.
This week, the Office of Small Business officially launched the BizUnlocked Boston pilot program. BizUnlocked Boston is a business access program that connects small business owners to the resources, expertise, and relationships they need to build lasting businesses that create jobs, stability, and sustainability in our local communities, and unlock their full potential from the start.
In addition to City-led programming, Small Business Month also features events funded by the Small Business Month Activation Grant Program, a grant opportunity for community-led activations. The Office of Small Business awarded organizations up to $9,500 for events that provide small business owners and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow, thrive, or celebrate success.
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| TOURISM, SPORTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT | | |
OPEN STREETS BOSTON RETURNS TO BOSTON NEIGHBORHOODS THIS SUMMER AND FALL
This August through October, Open Streets Boston, the popular car-free event series, will return to Allston-Brighton, Jamaica Plain, and Mattapan.
Additionally, the City will host Open Streets in Roslindale for the first time on October 18. During the event, Corinth and Poplar Streets will be closed to vehicular traffic to create room for community and play.
Open Streets events allow local businesses to expand into the street and safely make space for music, games, bicycling, and community tabling in Boston’s neighborhoods. These events build on Mayor Wu’s commitment to reimagining our streets and making Boston the most family-friendly city in the country.
This year’s Open Streets dates are as follows:
- Sunday, August 2, 2026 | Jamaica Plain
- Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Mattapan
- Sunday, October 4, 2026 | Allston-Brighton
- Sunday, October 18, 2026 | Roslindale
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BOSTON LICENSING BOARD APPROVES NEW BEER AND WINE LICENSE UPGRADES
The Boston Licensing Board continues to approve liquor license upgrades across Boston’s neighborhoods.
Last month, the Licensing Board approved applications from the following beer and wine licensees upgrading to all alcohol licenses:
- North End: Table and Table Mercato, Trattoria Al Dente, and Benevento's
- Beacon Hill: Zurito and Willie's
- South Boston: Roza Lyons
- East Boston: Billares Colombia, Bohemios, and Mi Pueblito
- Seaport: Row 34 and Yankee Lobster Fish Market
Additionally, the Licensing Board approved a new beer and wine license application for Superstar Cuisine in Hyde Park.
The Licensing Board will send all the applications to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission for investigation and final approval. Additionally, the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion has developed Beer and Wine Upgrade FAQs to address frequently asked questions about the beer and wine upgrade legislation.
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SUMMER 2026 HOSPITALITY OFFICE HOURS
The Licensing Board continues to host bi-weekly virtual office hours on Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Office hour participants can ask any questions related to participating in this summer’s events, as well as the liquor license application process.
If you have questions about hour extensions, entertainment licenses, applying for a new liquor license, or upgrading an existing beer and wine license, we encourage you to attend.
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SMALL BUSINESS
OPENING YOUR BUSINESS IN DOWNTOWN BOSTON
May 27, 2026 | 10 Winter Place | 12 pm - 1:30 pm
As part of Small Business Month, the Downtown Boston Alliance is convening a focused panel of practitioners actively shaping the Downtown retail landscape, featuring City of Boston Director of Small Business Aliesha Porcena as a panelist.
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SMALL BUSINESS
MATTAPAN SMALL BUSINESS FORUM
May 27, 2026 | Mattapan Branch of the Boston Public Library | 2 pm - 5 pm
Learn about a variety of resources available to small businesses and connect with the Office of Small Business, Boston Main Streets Foundation, Transamerica, and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts.
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BUSINESS STRATEGY
MEET THE ACCELERATORS AND INCUBATORS OF BOSTON'S STARTUP SCENE
June 8, 2026 | Foley & Lardner LLP: Alicia Dorner | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Join Startup Boston for a vendor fair-style event designed to help founders and startup operators quickly explore the programs shaping the Greater Boston ecosystem.
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BOSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL
Boston business leaders pitch strategies to attract global companies and AI talent
Boston officials and business leaders gathered to discuss recruiting companies and talent globally. [READ MORE]
BOSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL
'Young and hungry': College startup Mojo plans 8,000-person music festival at Boston City Hall Plaza
What started as an idea in a UMass Amherst dorm room has become a national music movement on college campuses. Mojo took on Boston City Hall Plaza on April 25, 2026. Coty of Boston Director of Nightlife Economy Corean Reynolds is quoted in the article: “It's an incredible melting pot of different interests and tastes and genres, and that is very reflective of Boston's community and culture.” [READ MORE]
BOSTON GLOBE
Boston scores the world's largest soccer ball for the World Cup
The 45-foot ball will be on display at Piers Park in East Boston, as organizers seek to have it recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records. The giant sphere is being built with support from Massport. [READ MORE]
BOSTON GLOBE
Ten Boston restaurants just received full liquor licenses. Here's where.
The Boston Licensing Board recently approved the upgrade of 10 liquor licenses in the city to all-alcohol licenses, according to city filings. The upgraded licenses would allow the restaurants to begin serving all types of hard liquor. [READ MORE]
CAUGHT IN DOT
Sweet Teez Bakery Finds a Sweet Spot in Dot Block — Food Serving License Approved
Dorchester is about to get a little sweeter! City of Boston SPACE Grant recipient Sweet Teez Bakery, known for its decadent cupcakes, custom cakes, brownies and pies, is officially moving into the ground level of Dot Block. [READ MORE]
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BOSTON BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: MURL'S KITCHEN
This Small Business Month, we are spotlighting small businesses that bring Boston’s neighborhoods to life.
Based in Dorchester, Murl’s Kitchen serves Jamaican specialties, from jerk chicken and rasta pasta to seafood plates and oxtail loaded fries. In addition to their Dorchester location, you can find Murl’s Kitchen’s food truck vending at various sites throughout Boston.
In this recent spotlight video, Murl’s Director of Operations, Shante Romaine, shares how the City of Boston supported their business through programs such as SPACE Grant, Food Trucks, and liquor license support.
Visit Murl’s Kitchen at 143 Washington Street in Dorchester and learn more at www.murlskitchen.com.
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Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion
1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02201
econdev@boston.gov
617-635-5729
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