UMass Donahue Institute

This mixed-methods report was commissioned by JPMorgan Chase and represents research conducted by the UMass Donahue Institute in 2023.

Researchers sought to understand the needs of small business owners in Dorchester, Roxbury, East Boston, and Mattapan. These neighborhoods are unique in that they are primarily residential and nearly two-thirds of the city’s Black residents, over half of the city’s Hispanic or Latino residents, and nearly half of the city’s foreign-born residents live in these four neighborhoods. Historic and existing policies and practices have meant that these communities have been excluded from opportunity.

Key findings include:

• Access to capital continues to be the primary barrier for business owners.
• Sector-specific and culturally relevant technical assistance is needed.
• Many businesses in the neighborhoods are young and looking to grow.
• Collective models of ownership could help combat displacement and gentrification; Boston has been a leader on this front.
• Procurement is an important avenue for diverse businesses to grow, but many business owners do not have knowledge of the certification process or the capacity to meet the needs of large anchor institutions.