Small Business Support Intern

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Community Development Department (CDD) is the planning agency for the City of Cambridge. CDD’s mission is to foster a livable, sustainable, just, and equitable community. We collaborate with community partners, government agencies, businesses and residents to make Cambridge a desirable place to live, work, learn, play, and innovate.

Agency Description:

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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

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, communication and design, data management, and multidisciplinary planning, the Small Business Support Intern can expect the following responsibilities:

Community Engagement & Outreach:

• Assist with the planning of signature events such as Black Business Month, Women’s Business Month, and Small Business Saturday.
• Support efforts to recruit and engage business owners to participate in events such as the Supplier Diversity Fair (match-making event for government contracting), Succession Planning, Food Business Basics, the Legacy Business Luncheon, and other assistance programs.
• Answer questions and address needs from existing and prospective business owners.

Communication & Design:

• Find and organize resources to develop digital tool kits and other web-based content for new initiatives, such as the Supplier Diversity Fair and Succession Planning.
• Assist with the development of division marketing materials or web-based tools that promote and celebrate division programs.

Data Management:

• Support commercial real estate tracking through storefront inventories and vacancies listings.
• Contribute to the annual Commercial District Assessment reporting by collecting and analyzing data and preparing a final report.
• Review current and new division data to understand economic trends – such as business closing/openings, life science companies, impact of bike lanes, etc.

Multidisciplinary Planning:

• Work in collaboration with the other divisions of CDD or other departments on long-term planning efforts including anti-displacement strategies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

• Current students pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Policy, Urban Planning, or Business/Entrepreneurship are encouraged to apply.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• 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 for the day may 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.

Computer Skills:

• 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 Illustrator or Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign) is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of GIS software 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 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. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

START DATE: Start date negotiable but a minimum commitment through spring 2026 is strongly desired. Hours in summer 2026 and beyond may be available.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter