Since 2005, Union Square Main Streets (USMS) has supported the small businesses that make up the dynamic neighborhood of Union Square, providing hands-on technical assistance for more than two decades. Professional Spanish language support was introduced in 2021, dramatically increasing access for minority and non-native English-speaking business leaders across the neighborhood’s multifaceted business community.
USMS provides accessible and culturally competent, relationship-based technical assistance to more than 200 independently-owned businesses throughout Union Square, many of which are family-owned and operated by diverse minority and immigrant business leaders.
Union Square Main Streets is here for you and your business!
USMS’ Bilingual Small Business Liaison provides business leaders with technical assistance in both English and Spanish. From opening a storefront to navigating stabilization and growth and succession planning, our economic empowerment nonprofit exists to serve you.
These services are free to small businesses like yours who are vital contributors to Somerville’s high-quality of life by creating jobs, helping to keep more dollars in the local economy, and in 2024, leading to Union Square being named the 38th coolest neighborhood in the world!
This support includes:
Applying for city licenses & permits
Developing business plans
Lease negotiations
Marketing and promotions mentorship and support
Scam and fraud prevention
Digital literacy
Marketing mentoring
Crowdfunding campaigns
Applying for grants, bank loans, or SBA lending
Since 2021, USMS’ Small Business Liaison has supported local businesses to secure more than $1.6M in capital.
Are you a small business owner in the Union Square business district? Set up a meeting with Union Square Main Streets by emailing usms@unionsquaremain.org.
Union Square Business Meetings
Enhanced collaborations and connections within a local small businesses community strengthen neighborhood resilience. USMS produces monthly Union Square Business Meetings as an opportunity for business leaders to network, find inspiration, share challenges, and receive important resources on a regular basis.
A variety of expert speakers cover a range of topics at each meeting. Since January 2025, the Director of the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs or the City’s Immigration Policy Analyst have presented at each meeting to ensure businesses like yours have the most up to date information about immigration shifts.
Stay Connected
Are you a business leader in Union Square? Do you receive our “Dear Union Square Business Leader” emails? Have you received the calendar invite for the Business Meeting? If not, let us know. Thanks for helping to make Union Square so special – we’re excited to work with you!
Why Technical Assistance Matters
Hear from Union Square’s Small Business Leaders whose work has been supported by USMS’ Bilingual Small Business Liaison.
Click on each photo to learn more about the entrepreneur or their business.
“Without USMS, I would not have known about several of the grant applications I have applied for, nor would I have been able to get some of the answers I needed for my business’ permitting.”
“The dedication of USMS and the Small Business Liaison is a tremendous asset to Union Square. Their efforts have not only helped me grow my business but have also made me feel more connected to the community.”
“I appreciate that USMS isn’t just focused on events and opportunities, but also on day-to-day challenges that small businesses face. When we received a scam email, the Small Business Liaison took the time to come by in person and walk us through how to handle it. That kind of support makes a huge difference for us, and it’s reassuring to know we have someone we can call when unexpected issues come up.”
“We appreciate USMS and their commitment to small businesses like ours. Their regular emails and meetings keep us in the loop about what’s happening in the city, which is super valuable for making informed decisions. It really feels like they care about our success, and that support has made a big difference!”