This webinar is one of two webinars led by The Hope Group in November 2025, designed to empower small business owners and nonprofit leaders in Boston to confidently adopt artificial intelligence (Al) tools in practical, ethical, and sustainable ways.

REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR

Topics covered in this webinar include:

• Introduction to Al agents, workflows, and automation
• Tools demo: Zapier, Taskade, ChatGPT for business ops
• Build your first automated workflow (hands-on)
• Risk management: Ensuring transparency and accountability
• Bonus: How to use AI without needing a tech background

As part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Massachusetts State Budget, the State Legislature gave cities and towns across Massachusetts the opportunity to allow beer and wine license holders to upgrade their license for a non-transferable all alcoholic beverages license. 

On November 17 at 10 am, the Boston Licensing Board and Office of Small Business will host a workshop at Bell In Hand Tavern (45 Union Street) to explain this legislation. After a general presentation from the Licensing Board, Irene Li of Prepshift will discuss factors business owners should consider before pursuing an upgrade.

REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP

If you have any questions, please call 617-635-4170 or email licensingboard@boston.gov. You are also encouraged to attend virtual office hours or visit the Licensing Board at 1 City Hall Square, Room 809.

Join the City of Boston, InnoPsych, and BeautyLynk for a hands-on Workshop designed to equip barbers, stylists, nail technicians and other beauty professionals with the tools to recognize emotional and physical red flags and respond with compassion. 

Register Now

The City of Boston Licensing Board is hosting virtual office hours addressing the liquor license application process. These office hours take place bi-weekly on Wednesdays from 3 pm to 5 pm.

The number of liquor licenses in the City of Boston is established by Massachusetts General Law. The City of Boston Licensing Board issues licenses pending availability.

Learn more about the Liquor License Application process.

View liquor license frequently asked questions.

Join the City of Boston's Procurement Department for an essential workshop on navigating the City's procurement process. This workshop will equip you with practical insights to successfully do business with the City of Boston. Learn how to register as a vendor, navigate the City's Buying Plan and Supplier Portal, and get valuable tips and best practices for submitting competitive responses. 

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT

Visit boston.gov/sd to view all events and workshops taking place during Supplier Diversity Week from October 27 through October 31, 2025. 

Join us for an evening of intentional connection and community!

This casual networking event brings together certified small business owners, the Department of Supplier Diversity, technical assistance providers, the City's Procurement team, and many others committed to supporting Boston's small business ecosystem.

Bring your business cards and business pitch and come ready to engage with a diverse community of business leaders and City partners dedicated to advancing economic opportunity and supplier diversity in Boston. This is your opportunity to build meaningful relationships, share insights, and explore collaboration opportunities in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Light refreshments will be provided, and we will have prizes!

All small business owners and entrepreneurs are welcome—join us as we lean into connection, collaboration, and community!

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT

Visit boston.gov/sd to view all events and workshops taking place during Supplier Diversity Week from October 27 through October 31, 2025. 

Join Emily Patrick, Senior Neighborhood Business Manager from the City of Boston's Office of Small Business, for an informative workshop on the resources and support available to small businesses in Boston. This session will provide an overview of the Office of Small Business, highlight key programs and services designed to help your business grow, and guide you through the various resources available to support your success.

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT

Visit boston.gov/sd to view all events and workshops taking place during Supplier Diversity Week from October 27 through October 31, 2025. 

Welcome to our virtual workshop where you'll learn all about getting certified as a diverse business with the City of Boston. This event is perfect for minority- and women-owned businesses looking to expand their opportunities and connect with the City of Boston. Our expert speakers will guide you through the process and answer all your questions. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity.

Stacey Williams, Jessica DaSilva, and Adrian Jorge from the Department of Supplier Diversity will host this event.

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT

Visit boston.gov/sd to view all events and workshops taking place during Supplier Diversity Week from October 27 through October 31, 2025.

Startup Boston and the City of Boston are joining forces to shine a spotlight on the next generation of underrepresented climatetech founders.

​At this high-energy pitch showcase, selected entrepreneurs will take the stage to pitch their ventures—each with 5 minutes to present and 3 minutes of Q&A with the judges—competing for cash prizes and exclusive perks.

​These startups aren’t just pitching ideas; they’re building solutions for a more sustainable future.

​Submit to pitch

​Meet the Judges:

• ​Abigail Menendez - Climate Technology Strategist, City of Boston

• ​Cvic Innocent - Founder & GP, Frankenbuild Ventures

• ​Mark Tomasovic - Principal, Energize Capital

​Prizes:

• ​1st Place: $4,500 + Exclusive Perks 

• ​2nd Place: $1,500 + Exclusive Perks 

• ​3rd Place: $750 + Exclusive Perks 

​Who’s Pitching?

​Founders must meet the following criteria:

• ​Company must be incorporated and headquartered within Boston proper (home office or office)

• ​Must have a separate business bank account.

• ​Product must include a software or hardware component.

​Why Attend?

• ​See some of Boston’s most promising climatetech startups pitch live.

• ​Celebrate and support underrepresented founders innovating in one of the city’s fastest-growing sectors.

• ​Build connections with founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders shaping the future of climate innovation in Boston.

​This is more than a pitch competition - it’s a chance to elevate voices that represent the true diversity and strength of Boston’s startup community while accelerating solutions to one of the world’s most pressing challenges.

​Who qualifies as an underrepresented founder for this competition?

• ​Women founders

• ​Black, Latine, Indigenous and other founders of color

• ​Immigrant founders

• ​LGBTQ+ founders

• ​Founders with disabilities

• ​Veteran founders 

• ​Other founders who have faced systemic barriers in accessing capital and resources 

​A huge thank you to the supporters of this event with City of Boston and Startup Boston: 

• ​Accountalent

• ​Workbar

• ​Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

• ​HubSpot for Startups

• ​SenseIP

​Interested in contributing to the prize pot (monetary or in services)? Email hello (at) startupbos (dot) org

Join Startup Boston and City of Boston for an exclusive mentorship event designed to connect early-stage founders (those with an MVP who are either Seed or earlier) with experienced mentors.

​This event features small, intimate group discussions to encourage meaningful conversations and connections.

​Founders will:

• ​Share knowledge with mentors and peers.

• ​Ask questions, seek advice, and gain insights to propel their startup forward.

• ​Build valuable connections with mentors and fellow founders.

​Mentors will:

• ​Guide founders through the early stages of their startup journey.

• ​Stay connected to the Boston startup scene while engaging with aspiring entrepreneurs.

• ​Build relationships with promising local startups.

​The connections made during this event could become a cornerstone of your entrepreneurial journey, providing lasting support and mentorship.

​Seating is limited (and we're accepting applications on a rolling basis), so we ask that you request an invite to ensure a great mix of founders and mentors.

​Request your spot as a mentee or mentor today!

Please register to see the exact location of this event.