Championing Small Business Growth Through Policy and Invest
Over the past four years, my commitment to Boston's small business community has extended beyond visits and celebrations—it's been rooted in tangible legislative action and strategic budgetary support.
As a dedicated member of the City Council's Small Business and Professional Licensure Committee, I've actively engaged in shaping policies that foster business development, streamline licensing processes, and promote equitable economic opportunities.
Recognizing the challenges faced by small businesses, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, I collaborated closely with the Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion to ensure that federal relief funds, including those from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), were allocated effectively. This included advocating for the Space Grant Program, which provided crucial support to small businesses seeking to establish or expand their physical locations.
Furthermore, I supported budget initiatives that directed $34 million towards economic opportunity and inclusion efforts, aiming to grow BIPOC-owned businesses and invest in neighborhood commercial districts. These investments have been instrumental in revitalizing our local economies and ensuring that small businesses remain integral to Boston's diverse communities.
My legislative efforts have consistently focused on reducing barriers for entrepreneurs, simplifying permitting processes, and providing accessible resources for business owners across all neighborhoods. By championing these initiatives, I've worked to create an environment where small businesses can thrive and contribute to the city's economic vitality.
As we look to the future, I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting Boston's small businesses through thoughtful legislation, equitable funding, and continuous collaboration with community stakeholders.
Reflecting on Small Business Month in Boston
In celebration of Small Business Month, my team and I are proud to honor Boston's 2025 Legacy Business Award winners—30 iconic establishments that have each contributed over a decade of service to our city's neighborhoods. These businesses are more than just storefronts; they are community anchors that enrich our cultural fabric and local economies. May was National Small Business Month—a time to honor the entrepreneurs and local businesses that are the backbone of our city’s economy. As a Boston City Councilor At-Large, I’ve remained steadfast in championing the needs of our small business community.
Throughout the month, I visited countless mom-and-pop cafes, shops, and family-run establishments in neighborhoods like Cleary Square and Lower Allston. These businesses not only provide jobs, but also offer a path to the American Dream for so many. I remain committed to simplifying permitting processes, lowering startup costs, and supporting our small business owners in every way possible.
I work closely with the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion to ensure small businesses across Boston are aware of and able to access city grant opportunities. Whether it’s helping business owners navigate applications or advocating for stronger support programs, I’m committed to making sure our local entrepreneurs have the resources they need to thrive.
I’ve also partnered with Main Streets directors to walk through commercial corridors and hear directly from small business owners about what’s working, what’s needed, and how we can continue to support neighborhood growth.
To close out Small Business Month, my team and I visited each of Boston’s 2025 Legacy Business Award winners—iconic businesses that have operated in our neighborhoods for more than a decade. We were proud to celebrate their history, resilience, and the role they play in keeping our communities strong.
Let’s continue to support the small businesses that make Boston vibrant and resilient—all year long.
Legacy Business Award Winners
In celebration of Small Business Month, my team and I are proud to honor Boston's 2025 Legacy Business Award winners—30 iconic establishments that have each contributed over a decade of service to our city's neighborhoods. These businesses are more than just storefronts; they are community anchors that enrich our cultural fabric and local economies.
Supporting Boston’s Backbone - Investing in Small Businesses
Connecting Workers to Opportunity
Supporting Local Restaurants and Hospitality
Connecting Workers to Opportunity
When Boston builds, we all benefit. Hundreds of local companies need skilled, reliable workers—and our neighborhoods are full of people ready to step up. I will connect residents with good-paying, local jobs in the building trades and beyond, ensuring that Boston’s growth benefits those who call it home.
Backing Boston’s Small Businesses
Supporting Local Restaurants and Hospitality
Connecting Workers to Opportunity
From Cleary Square to Lower Allston, I’ve visited the mom-and-pop shops that give our neighborhoods their soul. These small businesses provide jobs, serve as gathering places, and reflect the diversity of our city. I’ll keep working to simplify city processes, lower startup costs, and make it easier for small business owners to succeed.
Supporting Local Restaurants and Hospitality
Supporting Local Restaurants and Hospitality
Supporting Local Restaurants and Hospitality
Restaurants, bars, and cafés are the heart of our neighborhoods—and I’ll always be a voice for the people who run them. In an industry hit hard by changing mandates and inconsistent support, I’ll fight for creative solutions and steady resources to help owners and workers thrive.
Empowering Entrepreneurs from Day One
Empowering Entrepreneurs from Day One
Supporting Local Restaurants and Hospitality
Starting a business takes courage, creativity, and support. Whether it's a juice bar, tech start-up, or local salon, I believe in backing those who take that leap. I’ll connect entrepreneurs with mentors, community partners, and the City resources they need to navigate permitting, licensing, and early challenges—because it takes a village to help small dreams grow into lasting legacies.
Creating Pathways to Good Jobs
Empowering Entrepreneurs from Day One
Creating Pathways to Good Jobs
The PATHWAYS Program proves what’s possible when public and private partners invest in our young people. I will continue to support and expand programs like this—because as a proud union member from a multi-generational union family, I know that good wages and job security mean stronger families and thriving neighborhoods.