Council Declares May as Small Business Month

The Boston City Council declared May as Small Business Month, celebrating the contributions of over 44,000 small businesses to the local economy and cultural landscape. Councilor Worrell, with co-sponsors Weber and Mejia, emphasized the importance of these enterprises, which create one in every five jobs citywide. The resolution also highlights the unique challenges faced by Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), as identified in a 2022 City Disparity Study that revealed systemic barriers to accessing city contracts and capital. In response, the Council has implemented new policies aimed at improving equitable access to resources. Current support for small business growth includes grant programs, multilingual licensing assistance, and pop-up markets.

Despite these initiatives, the Institute for Justice released a report indicating that more work is necessary to alleviate red tape and costs affecting low-income and MWBE owners. As Small Business Month unfolds, the Council reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive local economy. This initiative aims to ensure that every entrepreneur has an equitable opportunity for success.