Small Business Technical Assistance Program:
The Technical Assistance Program exists to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in East Somerville by offering practical help, guidance, and connections that make day-to-day challenges easier to manage.
We understand that running a small business especially in a multilingual and immigrant community can be overwhelming. Our role is to walk alongside business owners, help them understand their options, and connect them to the right resources.
This program is about support, access, and understanding.
What Technical Assistance Means to Us
Technical assistance at ESMS is hands-on and relationship-based. We listen first, then work together to identify what kind of support is most helpful.
Support may look different for each business, depending on its stage, capacity, and needs.
Some examples of Technical Assistance projects we've provided to local businesses include:
Grant and loan application assistance
Comprehensive marketing plans
Permitting and licensing support
Legal referrals
Digital capacity projects
Displacement assistance
Are you a small business owner interested in receiving technical assistance?
Small business technical assistance is funded through MassDevelopment and the City of Somerville Economic Development department.
Business Meetings:
These meetings take place on a monthly basis and are intended to keep local businesses informed about city updates, regulatory changes, upcoming deadlines, and other information that may be useful to their operations. They also provide an opportunity to share helpful resources, answer questions, and listen directly to the needs and concerns of business owners, helping ensure communication flows both ways.
We invite local business owners to join our monthly business meetings and stay connected to updates, resources, and information that support their work. To participate or learn more, please email us at business@eastsomervillemainstreets.org
How Technical Assistance Supports Local Businesses
Rincón Mexicano
We supported Rincón Mexicano Restaurant with website development, point of sale website integration, social media training, and photography to strengthen their digital presence.
Past Projects:
