Small Business Champion Contest Includes Awards for Businesses Owned by Veterans, Minorities & Women

The following announcement was provided by Citizens Bank:

Citizens announced it has opened its annual Small Business Community Champion Award Contest, which will again recognize the positive contributions small businesses make within their communities. Now in its seventh year, the contest will award $10,000 each to 30 small businesses across Citizens’ footprint, including 10 minority-owned and 10 women-owned businesses. This year, for the first time, Citizens will also set aside five of its 30 awards exclusively for veteran-owned businesses along with five other qualifying businesses. The contest is open until 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 1, 2024.

Charles River Chamber Hosting Winter Celebration at New Biotech Building

Elkus Manfredi ArchitectsA view of the proposed life science building at 66 Galen Street viewed from Galen Street. The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:

Our annual Winter Celebration is a can’t-miss opportunity to connect with business, nonprofit and civic leaders, celebrate our community and support the work of the chamber in a festive atmosphere and fantastic venue. This year, we’ll enjoy a sneak-peak at the just-completed 66 Galen Street, the stunning new Elkus Manfredi Architects-designed life science campus in the heart of Watertown Square. Mingle with old friends, make lots of new connections, nosh on food and drink from Baker’s Best Catering, enjoy live piano music from Perkins’ grad Matteo Fasso and explore the state-of-the art new life sciences hub, led by our hosts Boston Development Group and The Davis Companies. Free, covered parking in garage.

Watertown Business Coalition Hosting After Hours at Olespana

The Watertown Business Coalition’s first networking event of 2024 will be an after hours event at Olespana in East Watertown. The WBC sent out the following announcement:

Join Us for a WBC After Hours Event at Olespana

If you have yet to check out Olespana, now is your chance! Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas in a fun and festive setting right in your East End here in Watertown! Thank you to owner, Peter Pyne, for being our host for the evening! Our programming aims to help connect our community and residents to the City’s issues and initiatives. Our morning Coffee Connects, After Hours get-togethers and Civic Events will continue to give you the opportunity to visit places of business in town, meet people, learn something, chat with city government … and maybe even have a laugh along the way. Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Cash Bar – Light Bites provided 

RSVP HERE

This event is FREE and open to Watertown Businesspeople & Stakeholders,  Watertown Residents & Watertown Employees – Join Us!

Charles River Chamber Hosting Webinar on AI, Networking Events & More in January

The Charles River Regional Chamber has a variety of events in January focused on small businesses, non-profits, young professionals along with its Women’s Impact Network. Plus, learn what AI and ChatGPT is all about. The Chamber serves Watertown, Newton, Needham and Wellesley, and will host in-person and remote events in January. See the list provided by the Chamber below:

Webinar: Demystifying AI & ChatGPT

Date: Tues. Jan.

Freddy Farkel’s Fabric Showcase Closing After 92 Years, Holding Closeout Sale

Freddy Farkel’s Fabrics Showcase on Walnut Street will be closing. The business started in Brighton in 1927. (Photo from Fabricshowplace.net)

A Boston-area fabric institution is holding a closeout sale after losing its lease on its space on Walnut Street. Freddy Farkel’s Fabric Showcase started in Brighton, and now has its showroom in Watertown. The store opened in 1927, and has been run by four generations.

Arsenal Yards Adding New Food, Clothing & Pet Offerings

The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards:

The thriving neighborhood in Watertown’s historic East End from Boylston Properties and Wilder, Arsenal Yards today announces three exciting new additions in 2024: J.Crew Factory, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique. With leases signed, these three new venues will add to the neighborhood’s already bursting roster of popular restaurants, retailers, fitness, service, and entertainment offerings. More information on each follows below. Jersey Mike’s Subs

Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, has announced it will open a new location in Watertown’s Arsenal Yards at 100 Bond Square in 2024. Jersey Mike’s premium meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot and piled high on in-store baked bread.

New Cookie Shop Holding Grand Opening Celebration

Cookie lovers — put Friday, Dec. 8 on your calendar for the grand opening of Watertown’s newest cookie addition: Chip City. The national chain with New York roots will be opening at Arsenal Yards this week, and the first 100 customers will receive a bonus. Arsenal Yards sent out more this info:

Chip City will be opening at Arsenal Yards on Friday, Dec. 8.

Business Parking Passes for Municipal Lots Go on Sale Soon

Clipartpanda.com

The City of Watertown announced that Business Parking passes for Watertown municipal parking lots will go on sale on Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Details

FIRST COME FIRST SERVE

2 PASSES PER BUSINESS

$120 PER PASS

40 PASSES AVAILABLE FOR THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT

20 AVAILABLE FOR NICHOLS AVE LOT

Passes for January 2024 through March 2024

All permits require business information, including proof of employment, valid driver’s license, and vehicle registration. Payment accepted by cash, check, or money order. NOTE: The pass is only valid for the vehicle registered with your pass for that specific parking lot

Visit https://www.watertown-ma.gov/342/Business-Parking-Passes