The NEIGHBORHOOD STOREFRONTS project
Project Context and Goals
Small retail businesses face many challenges in achieving long-term success. Common issues include a lack of access to capital, a lack of business support resources, and a constantly evolving retail landscape. In Cambridge, the lack of affordable retail space is an especially significant barrier for small enterprises.
An initiative of its Strategic Plan, the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority’s Neighborhood Storefronts Project aims to support small businesses and entrepreneurs through the provision of affordable space. In developing a new model for affordable retail space, the initiative’s goals are to:
Locate and acquire ground-floor spaces in Cambridge to create a network of affordable retail spaces with access to business support services
Support the long-term success of Cambridge small businesses, with an emphasis on those owned and operated by BIPOC, women, and immigrant groups
Relevant Documents
Addressing the Need for Affordable Ground-Floor Space: In 2023, CRA staff presented research detailing potential models for creating affordable commercial space in Cambridge. The CRA focused on approaches to long-term community wealth building through affordable retail and commercial space. This included assessing different models that aim to prevent the displacement of small businesses and entrepreneurs from communities across the US.
Contact Information
For questions about The Neighborhood Storefronts Project, please contact:
Joshua Croom, Project Planner: jcroom@cambridgeredevelopment.org