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The City provides some one on one technical assistance as well as occasional seminars on marketing for small business. The City can help you improve you public image through design assistance and image development. If your business is located within one of the City's 19 Main Streets districts additional resources are potentially available.

Keith, really appreciate your time here today!

I saw that the City of Boston has its own Facebook page. First off, very cool! Secondly, are cities looking for new ways to communicate with their citizens on programs and events? I noticed they even have a Small Business discussion board.

~Tori

Thanks for taking a look at our website! This is a great way to explore what resources the City has to offer. The answers to your questions are as follows....

Start Early. Prepare your application well in advance of the date you wish to start any activity that may require a license; it can take time to get a license approved, especially if you need a permit that requires inspections or approval from multiple city departments (e.g., Inspectional Services -Building and Health Divisions, Consumer Affairs, Fire, Transportation) or qualifying exams.
Take Steps in the Right Order. Knowing what is required to obtain the permit will save you time and aggravation. For example, know what documents you will need to submit with the application and prepare them in advance. If the permit you need requires multiple agency approval or both City and State approval, you should get them in the order indicated.
Know the Rules. You need to be informed about what you can and cannot do under the regulation or law because - even if you don't know the rules - inspectors do. Before you commit to a location. If you have questions, call the relevant agency and ask.

As we all know time is money and knowledge is a great time saver. Always ask first. Make sure you are on the right track! The Office of Business development is here to help you. Feel free to call 617-635-0355 and someone will be there to assist you in getting to the next step.

The best way to network is to join your local business organizations. There are numerous organizations through out the City. Find the ones that best suit your needs. The City partners with 19 independent Main Streets Organizations across the City; these are great places to get involved and to build your business network. The Boston Redevelopment Authority sponsors the 1 in 3 program aimed at City residents between 20 and 34. http://www.onein3boston.org/

The City is always looking for new and better ways to engage it's residents and Business, whether it is through community organizations, City sponsored programs, or on the Web, the City seeks to build a sense and spirit of community. Any suggestions you have to improve our contact with business would be gladly accepted. And no matter what add the City of Boston as a friend!