Office of Business Development

The Office of Business Development (OBD) provides entrepreneurs and existing businesses with access to financial and technical resources. OBD also supports the nationally recognized Boston Main Streets program, designed to promote the continued revitalization of the City’s neighborhood commercial districts through public/private partnerships.

  • City Seal (75)

    Technology Challenge for Innovators

    The City of Boston's Office of Business Development (OBD) is offering an open challenge to innovators who can help neighborhood businesses acquire and retain customers using social media and mobile technology.  In an effort to keep spending local in Boston’s neighborhoods, we are seeking partners who will provide a low- or no-cost solution which will translate visibility of profiles on existing local directories, location-based services or social networks such as Facebook, Yelp, and Twitter into in-store visits and transactions by leveraging reputation, trust, or loyalty rather than visits, price, or discounts. Visit Startup BLVD for additional information on the challenge, including benefits offered to selected applicants and submission details.

    Startup BLVD »

  • Boston Business Hub Logo 75px

    Mayor Menino Announces Boston Business Hub

    Boston is making the process of starting or expanding a small business more predictable, efficient and convenient.  The Business Hub gives entrepreneurs a central access point to the City of Boston’s small business services and business development professionals.

    Visit Boston Business Hub »

Programs and Services
Find out about a variety of programs designed to assist small businesses.


Boston Main Streets
A nationally recognized program designed to promote the continued revitalization of the City’s neighborhood commercial districts through public/private partnerships.

News & Press Releases »


Calendar »

  • See a listing of upcoming OBD events.

    View Calendar »

Video & Multimedia

  • Mayor Menino Celebrates New Jobs in Savin Hill

    On April 6, 2011, Mayor Thomas M. Menino and DND Director Eveyln Friedman cut ribbons for five Savin Hill businesses to celebrate the creation of more than 70 new jobs.

    Watch video