City of Boston | Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Cabinet

This week, the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion welcomed a delegation of 17 executives from leading Japanese companies—including NEC, Hitachi, Fujitsu, NTT, Softbank, and SECOM—to Boston City Hall. The visit focused on exploring how Boston supports the expansion of international businesses, leverages emerging and innovative technologies, and how Boston is approaching AI governance. Representatives from the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) including Michael Lawrence Evans, Director of Emerging Technology, Santiago Garces, Chief Information Officer, and Shelby Houghton, Communications Coordinator, shared insights on Boston’s generative AI guidelines, Project Green Light, and the Environmental Sensor Network. We’re grateful to our City of Boston colleagues for sharing their expertise and showcasing Boston’s leadership in innovation and technology with our international partners. #cityofboston #emergingtechnology #boston #japan #innovation #collaboration #globalaffairs

Join the City of Boston Licensing Board, Office of Small Business, and Greater Mattapan Neighborhood Council for a liquor license information session at The Loop at Mattapan Station on Tuesday, April 15 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Business owners looking to apply for a liquor license or learn about the state's 2024 liquor license legislation are encouraged to attend. Learn more and register at: https://lnkd.in/es_Dn84K

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting women-owned businesses across Boston! Our next business spotlight is Soma Yoga Center, located in the North End and owned by Amy Leydon and Gina Schaak. Amy and Gina opened Soma Yoga Center in May 2022! Soma is known for its high-quality instruction, inclusive atmosphere, and commitment to lifelong learning. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, Soma offers a non-judgmental space to explore yoga, pilates, and fitness at your own pace. Soma Yoga Center has worked closely with the City of Boston Office of Small Business through the Technical Assistance Program, in which they received marketing and branding support from Revby LLC. Visit Soma Yoga Center at 256 Hanover Street in the North End! Learn more about their classes, trainings, and events at somayogacenter.com. Elevator access is available upon request by contacting [email protected] or 857-265-3619. #boston #bostonbusiness #womenshistorymonth #smallbusiness #womenownedbusiness

Boston-based contractors — Discover contracting opportunities related to the design, construction, and operation of White Stadium at the upcoming White Stadium Contracting Fair on Tuesday, April 15! Learn more and register for this event at: https://lnkd.in/eWNQpEZJ #boston #whitestadium #contracting #contractingopportunities #cityofboston

Earlier this month, the owners of La Parada Dominican Kitchen celebrated their new liquor license at an event with Deputy Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Donald Wright, M.B.A, Director of Nightlife Economy Corean Reynolds, and elected officials. The City of Boston Licensing Board approved La Parada’s liquor license application on February 13. Located in the heart of Egleston Square, La Parada serves authentic Dominican cuisine, including sancocho, a wide variety of traditional soups, and classic Dominican breakfast dishes. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/enZu8Adz and visit them at 3094 Washington Street in Egleston Square. #boston #bostonrestaurants #dominicanfood #caribbeanfood #eglestonsquare #roxbury #cityofboston #laparada

Last week, International Business Strategy Manager Yuxi Wang and ARPA Grants and Contracts Manager Charlie Ng for the City of Boston attended “Soirée Francophonie 2025: Discovering Francophone Cultures” at the French Library to celebrate the launch of Francophonie Month in Boston. On behalf of Mayor Michelle Wu, they presented a proclamation officially recognizing March 2025 as Francophonie Month—a time to celebrate the French language and the Francophone community across the city. March 20 also marked International Francophonie Day, honoring the global community united by the French language and the shared values of democracy, cultural diversity, and solidarity. #boston #globalaffairs #francophonie #frenchlibrary #InternationalFrancophonieDay

Do you have questions about applying for a liquor license in Boston? The City of Boston has developed a list of frequently asked questions related to the liquor license application process and 2024 legislation. ?? View all frequently asked questions at https://lnkd.in/eT9P4VFR. Meet with the City of Boston Licensing Board for liquor license application support at their upcoming office hours on April 2, April 16, and additional dates this spring. ?? Register for office hours at: https://lnkd.in/e9GuJFRy #boston #liquorlicense #licensing #bostonrestaurants #bostonbars

In celebration of Small Business Month this May, the Office of Small Business is excited to launch the Activation Grant Program! This funding opportunity invites nonprofits with experience supporting Boston’s small businesses to plan community-led activations that uplift local entrepreneurs and bring energy to our neighborhoods. Activations must be open to the public and provide small business owners with the resources, tools, and opportunities they need to grow, thrive, and celebrate success. Eligible proposals include (but aren’t limited to): business district events, workshops, training sessions, panels, networking events, pop-ups, and markets. We look forward to seeing creative and impactful proposals that help strengthen Boston’s entrepreneurial community and vibrant small business ecosystem! Learn more and apply for the Activation Grant Program at: https://lnkd.in/eJJUFBbV #boston #smallbusiness #smallbusinessmonth #smallbizbos #cityofboston #communityengagement #grants #grantopportunity

Join the Mayor’s Office of Housing on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM for an in-person hearing to discuss the allocation of $27.5 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds may be invested in housing, homeless assistance and community development programs that serve low- to moderate-income residents over a one year period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The Plan covers four HUD programs including: ?? Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) ?? HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) ?? Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) ?? Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) This hearing will take place at 2 Center Plaza, 2nd Floor Training Room, Boston, MA 02108. No registration required. Interpretation will be available in Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/efM3MrHT #Boston #HUDfunding #CommunityDevelopment

?? Join our team! The Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion is currently hiring for the following positions: ?? Cannabis Equity Program Manager: https://lnkd.in/eSFDBNwJ ?? FUSE Executive Fellow: https://lnkd.in/eN6uMayr View all job openings with the City of Boston at boston.gov/careers #boston #bostonjobs #cityofboston #fellowship #programmanager #economicdevelopment #economicopportunity