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CLF Digital Era Small Business Bootcamp Application

The Digital Era Small Business Bootcamp will provide much needed education, resources, and training to ensure that participating businesses have an accurate and secure online presence and the tools to maximize the digital landscape to meet their individual needs. The proliferation of curated directories and emerging Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) vendors has created new challenges for small businesses who are frequently misrepresented by sites that disseminate incorrect information and, in some cases, present serious security risks. Even accredited sources like Google, Apple Maps,Tripadvisor and AMAZON present outdated, inappropriate, or unauthorized information that can negatively impact small independent businesses. Large corporations often engage a team of digital media professionals to routinely “scrub” their online presence, but this option lies far beyond the reach of the average business owner.

Through this program, enrolled businesses will participate in workshops and one-on-one coaching in a supportive cohort environment. Coaching will include digital marketing best practices, financial management using safe tools, and individualized, sustainable practices that allow participants to enact a comprehensive stategic plan that will solve immediate problems and meet needs for years to come. Each cohort will also address industry specific challenges and concerns, creating a customized, educational experience that is tailor made to each sector.

Participation is FREE. Granted value per participant is $4000 PLUS up to $1500 in membership dues and certification fees. 

This program is funded by Cambridge Local First, The City of Cambridge, and The U.S. Small Business Administration.

Program Term:

10 weeks: March 1 - May 1, 2026 (exact dates TBD)

Mandatory Orientation Event on the evening of March 2nd. 

Program Overview:

2 hour in person kick-off event & networking (mandatory)

5x1 hour Virtual Workshops

10x1 hour one on one consulting sessions (or equivalent in co-working-sessions)

Procurement and Certification Session featuring City Reps and Industry Membership orgs.

2 hour Wrap-Up and Feedback event (strongly encouraged)

Optional participation at 617 Day Small Business Summit on June 17th, 2026

Total participant time commitment: 20 hours over two months

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FEBRUARY 23, 2026

If you require assistance in filling out this application, pleas contact Kieran Kelly: kieran@cambridgelocalfirst.org.

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Business Name *
Primary Contact First Name *
Primary Contact Last Name *
Email Address *
Business Phone Number *
Personal Phone Number *
Business Address *
Year Business Opened *
Which cohort are you applying to join? *
Is your business a micro-enterprise? A micro-enterprise employs five or fewer FULL TIME employees, or equivalent, including the owner. *
How many employees, including the owner, work at your business? *
Is your business independently and locally owned in Cambridge, Massachusetts? *
If applicable, which of the following characteristics apply to your business?
As part of the Bootcamp program, we will be aiding businesses in the process of becoming certified as part of the City's Supplier Diversity Program. Where applicable, check the boxes that characterize your business.
Certified
Interested in certification
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
Small Business Local Enterprise (SLBE)
Has your business qualified for a grant through ARPA or other City-level grants? If so, check the boxes below that correspond to grants that your business has, in the past, qualified for. 
Who will participate in the program on behalf of the business? *
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