CITY OF BOSTON AND COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS HOST SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE FAIR

CITY OF BOSTON AND COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS HOST SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE FAIR

Event included networking opportunities, workshops and keynote address from Legal Sea Foods President and CEO Roger Berkowitz

Participants at Wednesday's Small Business Resource Fair at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury. BOSTON - Friday, September 30, 2016 - The City of Boston's Office of Economic Development and the Massachusetts' Office of Business Development on Wednesday hosted a Small Business Resource Fair at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury. The event marked the first time local city, state, and federal agencies have collaborated to showcase the full range of government resources available to assist in starting, growing and expanding small businesses. "From day one, Mayor Walsh has been committed to providing Boston's over 40,000 small businesses with the tools and resources necessary to operate and thrive throughout all neighborhoods in the City of Boston," said Chief of Economic Development John Barros. "Small businesses create jobs, wealth and opportunity for the City's workforce and are the heart of Boston's economy. I'm thrilled we are able to showcase the support the Boston offers, and connect businesses with city, state and federal resources available." The free event, attended by over 200 members of the small business community, featured assets available through the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that support and foster small business development. There were over 30 small business support organizations, and two workshops that guided small businesses through resources available at the City and State level,as well as explained how to navigate government resources for contracting and procurement opportunities. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and ensuring these important employers have access to the resources they need is essential for the continued growth of Boston and the Commonwealth," said Deputy Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Carolyn Kirk. "We are committed to collaborating with local, state and federal partners to connect our small businesses to new opportunities." The day kicked off with a speaking program moderated by the U.S. Small Business Administration and featured Carolyn Kirk, Deputy Secretary, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; John Barros, Chief of Economic Development for the City of Boston; and ended with a keynote address by Roger Berkowitz, President and CEO of Legal Sea Foods. Boston's Small Business Plan, released in March 2016, aims to make the small business economy thrive, to enhance neighborhood vibrancy, and to foster economic and social inclusion and equity. This small business resource fair, coupled with supportive policies and expert guidance, is one of the many tactics the City is implementing a high-quality, efficient support system for Boston's small business economy. About the Mayor's Office of Economic Development The Economic Development Cabinet's mission is to make Boston an appealing place for working families, entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors to innovate, grow and thrive in a way that fosters inclusion, broadens opportunity, and shares prosperity, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all Bostonians and the experience for all visitors. For more information, visit the Economic Development website. About The Massachusetts Office of Business Development The Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) is the state's one-stop source for businesses seeking to relocate to Massachusetts and businesses wishing to expand their current operations here. We offer a range of expertise and services to help your business flourish in Massachusetts. Our staff operates in regions across the state, so we provide you with on-the-ground knowledge and viable connections for your business.  We work closely with the private and public sectors to coordinate a whole range of resources at your disposal. MODB is an operating division of the Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development.