Small Business Support Intern

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Economic Opportunity and Development Division of CDD is committed to building an inclusive and sustainable economy in the City of Cambridge. The Division is responsible for a wide range of activities designed to meet the City's need for a vibrant, innovative, diverse, and thriving economic base that ensures economic opportunity for all.

The Small Business Support Intern will assist the division’s work of supporting small and micro businesses, promoting and strengthening commercial districts, developing programs and policies, partnering with key industries, and connecting constituents to resources and information. Using the tools of community engagement and outreach, multidisciplinary planning, program management, and data presentation, the Small Business Support Intern can expect the following responsibilities:

• Assist with the planning of signature events such as Black Business Month, Women’s Business Month, and Small Business Saturday.
• Support efforts to engage existing and prospective BIPOC, women, and immigrant-owned business owners.
• Answer general questions about doing business in Cambridge and connect constituents to city resources.

• Work in collaboration with the other divisions of CDD on special projects as identified by supervisor.
• Engage with specialty contractors or service providers to further new division initiatives.

• Assist with recruitment and promotion of business programs, including but not limited to, the Food Business Basics course, the Legacy Business Luncheon, and Business Development workshops.

• Contribute to Commercial District Assessments by collecting and analyzing data and preparing a final report.
• Find and organize resources to develop digital tool kits and other web-based content for new initiatives.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Recent Graduate or current student pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Policy, Urban Planning, or Business/Entrepreneurship are encouraged to apply

• Interest in municipal government, commercial districts, and/or local businesses.
• Enthusiasm for projects that have a direct impact and a high degree of visibility.
• Comfort in a fast-paced environment where interruptions are common and priorities shift.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and work occasional evenings or weekends for work-related events, including delivering marketing items door-to-door.
• Ability to juggle a variety of tasks while staying organized and focused.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Forms.
• Experience creating maps, graphs, and slides for presentations and marketing handouts.
• Understanding of Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign) for editing and design of marketing materials is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of GIS software is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of Salesforce is a plus.
• The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

Standard office environment. Fluorescent lighting and air conditioning. Moderate noise level. This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City’s Telework Policy, depending on operational needs.

Start Date: September 2026 (exact date negotiable). A minimum commitment until May 2027 is expected, with an option to extend further.