Mom-and-pop shops to receive free chamber membership and resources to help navigate uncertain times

March 20, 2025 -- The Charles River Regional Chamber is launching Small Shops, a new pilot program designed to support independently owned, single-location brick-and-mortar retailers in Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley. 

Eligible retailers will receive free basic chamber membership, granting them access to essential networking, advocacy, business resources and marketing opportunities.

“Our small independent retailers face many challenges, including competition from online shopping, soaring operating costs, staffing shortages and, now, worries about tariffs, immigration, the financial markets and overall economic uncertainty,” said Greg Reibman, the chamber’s president and CEO.

“At the same time, our small shops bring vibrancy to our small downtowns and village centers. They’re part of what makes our communities desirable places to live and work,” Reibman added.

Reibman noted that many consumers are rethinking their shopping habits, looking to transition spending away from online giants and large big box retailers but need help identifying businesses that carry the products they’re seeking.

With underwriting support from Insource Services, Inc., NBC10 Boston, The Village Bank, WS Development’s The Street and other generous sponsors, Small Shops aims to remove financial barriers to chamber membership, ensuring that local merchants have the necessary resources to thrive.

“NBC10 Boston is proud to partner on this initiative as it closely aligns with our mission to use our platform to support diverse, independent local businesses,” said Maggie Baxter, vice president of programming at NBC10 Boston, Telemundo and necn. 

“This initiative fosters a stronger, more connected retail community, which ultimately benefits businesses and nonprofits of all sizes,” said Bruce Hain, president & CEO at Insource Services. “We’re proud to stand with the chamber and other businesses that are underwriting this effort in support of this essential sector of our economy.” 

The Small Shops program benefits include:

• Inclusion in the chamber’s online directory and support local marketing campaigns
• Business resources (referrals, webinar library and newsletter)
• Participation in the chamber’s Retail Collaborative committee
• Small business advocacy

Retailers can enroll for free today and view complete benefits and requirements by visiting charlesriverchamber.com/small-shops or calling 617-244-5300.

The Small Shops program is made possible through underwriting support from Insource Services Inc., NBC10 Boston, The Village Bank, The Street Chestnut Hill, Piccadilly Square and Tanowitz Law Office.

Businesses and individuals interested in underwriting the Small Shops program can contribute online or contact Lise Elcock, VP of Membership & Development, at 617-244-1864 or lqelcock@charlesriverchamber.com.