My name is Ashley Ann Thomas, and I am a junior studying mathematical economics at MIT. During the Spring of 2020, I worked as a marketing intern at CLF. My tasks included highlighting local businesses on social media and reaching out for membership renewals. Participating in this internship has not only strengthened my skill set . . . read more

April 7, 2020 East Cambridge Savings Bank today announced donations to nine nonprofit organizations that are serving children, families, and senior citizens who are experiencing hardships as a result of the ongoing COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic. These organizations are meeting critical needs such as providing meals for students who are out of school, food for families who . . . read more

Cambridge Local First is a non-profit network of 400+ local and independent businesses here in Cambridge. Our mission is to support, promote, and celebrate a “local economy community” by educating the public and government about the significant environmental, economic, and cultural benefits of a strong local economy. the past five weeks, we at Cambridge Local . . . read more

I grew up in Cambridge and when I came back to Cambridge as an adult, mom and chef, I started my personnel chef business in Cambridge. Cambridge Local First  was an important part of my understanding of how to transition from home cook to small business owner. At the feet of the members I gleaned important . . . read more

Increase cash flow today. Bring in customers tomorrow. COVID-19 is hurting all of our businesses, and we are actively looking for more ways to help businesses. One local company, Nift, has been hard at work building a store to sell e-gift cards on behalf of merchants like you. You do NOT currently have to be . . . read more

Now more than ever, local businesses are feeling the effects of losing visibility and market share in America’s ecosystem – rising rents, decreased sales volume, and increased competition from online providers. But, there is a pent up cultural demand and economic imperative to support these businesses and our communities. Join us for a panel of . . . read more

Progress Made, But More Work to be Done To Keep American Business Alive (Cincinnati, OH) – March 25, 2020 – In response to the COVID-19 economic response deal announced today by the Senate and the Administration, the Save Our Economy Now! coalition released the following statement by Nicola Williams, Owner, The Williams Agency, Board Member . . . read more

Cambridge, MA—March 24, 2020—Community Phone, a startup that seeks to address the need for truly customer-centric telecommunications, announced today that it is donating free office number forwarding, talking, and texting to all small businesses and nonprofits affected by COVID-19.   Businesses that are shut down will still receive calls to their office that they cannot answer . . . read more

By Sue Reinert on Thursday, March 12, 2020, on Cambridge Day The Starbucks in Harvard Square was so empty at 10:30 a.m. Thursday that baristas and other employees almost outnumbered customers. “Usually in the winter it’s more packed at this time,” said Phyllis Aleman, who works at a nearby spa, as she left the coffee shop. . . . read more

POSTED BY: EMILY CURTIS MARCH 18, 2020 on Scout Cambridge With the current pandemic, many are left worried about what their future holds. More specifically, local businesses are taking a big hit from social distancing—a policy of avoiding gatherings as a way of containing the spread of the virus. To promote social distancing, Gov. Charlie Baker has . . . read more