Building and Supporting a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Local Economy.
What is the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network (CSBBN)?
The Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network, facilitated by Nicola Williams of The Williams Agency and sponsored by the Sustainable Business Network of MA (SBN) and Cambridge Local First (CLF), brings together Black entrepreneurs and identifies specific programs that can be developed or adopted to help ensure these businesses survive the pandemic and thrive moving forward. This new initiative will convene and work with Black-owned businesses based in Cambridge and Somerville that are in at least one of these phases: start-up; expansion; recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Need a Grant to Build Capacity?
The Cambridge Equity Fund Grant Application my be able to help!
The Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network is excited to share details about the new Cambridge Equity Fund grant opportunity for Black-owned small businesses. This $700,000 grant program offers funding, technical assistance, and mentorship across three categories: early-stage, home-based, and brick-and-mortar businesses. The Cambridge Equity Fund seeks to address Black entrepreneurs’ desires for access to responsible capital, and initially it is a grant program that will offer:$700,000 in grant funding for Cambridge businessesGrants, technical assistance, and mentorship provided
For assistance completing the grant application, contact Monica Raffo at monica@sbnmass.org to make an appointment.📅 Tuesday, October 28, 2025
🕡 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Cambridge Public Library – Central Square Branch, Lewis Room
Join us for an open and engaging community discussion on the Disparity Study Follow-Up. This is a chance to hear updates directly from the City Manager, connect with the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network (CSBBN), and share your own ideas and experiences.
This event is organized by the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network, in collaboration with the Sustainable Business Network and Cambridge Local First. Together, we can address disparities, strengthen equity, and build a more inclusive future for our community.
We look forward to seeing you there!
City Manager & CSBBN: Disparity Study Follow-Up & Community Conversation
Meet our Steering Committee
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Nicola Williams
The Williams Agency
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Jessica Acevedo
Little Star of Ours
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Andrea Taylor Dunkley
ATD Advisory
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Katie Labrie
Cambridge Local First
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Barbara Thomas
Artifact Soapworks Limited
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Angela Hofmann
Nüssli118
Join CSBBN
1-year membership to CLF & SBN
Free/discounted access to conferences & workshops
PR, promotion, and networking opportunities
Updates on policy changes and advocacy support
Info on technical assistance and funding
Monthly newsletter with tools for entrepreneurs
Access to mentors and a strong business community
Opportunities to collaborate and drive change
Membership Benefits
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In addition to our private Facebook Group for CSBBN, we will hold networking sessions for members at every meeting. Members will also receive membership in SBN and CLF.
Further, we will share offerings through our community partners, such as the City of Cambridge and the City of Somerville.
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CSBBN hosts free workshops about building your business, such as their inaugural workshop entitled, "Building Banking Relationships that Stick" sponsored by Sustainable Business Network and Cambridge Local First.
Also, we have a newsletter with funding opportunities, policy updates, and member insights.
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Our team will identify and promote technical assistance for CSBBN members, as well as by record and capture summaries that can be shared with the wider CSBBN members and site.
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The MTMi Mentorship Program aims to develop beneficial one-on-one relationships between entrepreneurs.
Mentors will be able to share their own experiences and knowledge of the current business landscape.
A successful mentor program provides opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurship through interaction with successful entrepreneurs; gain an experienced entrepreneur's perspective on applying textbook concepts to real-life situations; familiarize themselves with business protocol.
A mentor program benefits professionals by allowing them to contribute to the professional development of future entrepreneurs; identify potential partners and new vendors for their organization.
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CSBBN will take part in advocacy for BIPOC businesses in partnership with SBN and BECMA statewide, AMIBA nationally, CLF and JPLF locally, and more.
SBN will be aggregating data from businesses, organizations, and municipalities to best advocate for local business needs and utilize this Black Business Directory. This robust data collection will serve to inform the public and policymakers about how to best help Black businesses thrive.
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Make your impact on a subcommittee. Potential groups may focus on diversifying retail, empowering high-traffic commercial zones, networking, and procurement.
One Year’s Membership
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Cambridge Local First (CLF)
Inclusion in business campaigns
Inclusion in our directory and map
Monthly newsletters
Opportunity to promote events in our newsletter and social media
Invitations to all CLF events
Eligibility to participate on our Board or on Committees
And more!
The full value proposition is here, and full member benefits are here.
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Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN)
Networking: Access to SBN’s member only groups
Visibility: Business listing on SBN’s Members Page
Visibility: Marketing via SBN’s social networks
Discounts: First access & discounts to SBN events
Resources: Connection to pre-vetted SBN Member service providers
And more!
View full member benefits here.