The combination of favorable rents, proximity to Boston and Cambridge, a strong, built-in consumer base, an educated workforce, and a powerful city-wide high-bandwidth infrastructure makes Somerville a very attractive location for businesses of all sizes.
Somerville has several business assistance programs to guide the research, planning, and approvals process required to start and maintain a business.
Business Welcome Kit: This kit includes complete information on starting a business, including a complete checklist, relevant contact information, descriptions of business-oriented neighborhoods and squares, information on the City of Somerville, and a listing of various business assistance programs. To get a Business Welcome Kit, contact Economic Development in the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development or view the links to the right.
Talking Business: The Talking Business Cable TV show is produced by the Office of Communications, the Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development and the Somerville Chamber of Commerce to showcase local entrepreneurs, shop owners, business managers and business topics. The show is scheduled on Wednesdays at 7 P.M. on Channel 16 for Comcast and Channel 13 for RCN. To view a complete schedule, see the City of Somerville Cable Connection.
Business Workshop Series: The City of Somerville, East Somerville Main Streets and Union Square Main Streets, ACCION, and the Somerville Chamber of Commerce present this series of business development workshops and networking events year around. These educational programs assist Somerville aspiring entrepreneurs, and existing businesses to build business skills, advance economic development, and expand networking opportunities within our community.
Space in these workshops is limited. Participation is open to all in the Somerville community. For more information, see Small Business Workshop Series under Programs to the right.
Starting a Business in Somerville: For information on what steps to take to start a business and what relevant permits and licenses are issued by each department, download the brochures on the right.
Other City Resources:
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