~ Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, alongside Airbnb and The Boston Foundation, announced a new investment of $200,000 towards neighborhood economic development initiatives in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. This partnership aims to ensure that small businesses and commercial districts in Boston benefit from the increased tourism and visitor activity during the summer.

The funding, provided by Airbnb and administered by The Boston Foundation, will support grants for neighborhood economic development organizations across the city. This program builds upon the success of the City's Small Business Month Activation Grants and will specifically focus on supporting small business development and event-specific programming.

Mayor Wu expressed her excitement for residents and visitors to experience the cultural richness of Boston's neighborhoods this summer. She stated, "Local businesses anchor the cultural richness of our neighborhoods, and we are excited for residents and visitors alike to experience that this summer." She also highlighted how this partnership will expand economic opportunities into every part of the community.

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Nathan Blecharczyk, Airbnb Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer who is also a Boston native, shared his gratitude for Mayor Wu's partnership in helping local businesses make the most of this historic moment. He stated, "The world's attention will be on Boston and we want to make sure local neighborhoods, communities and entrepreneurs share in the opportunities that come with this historic moment."

The grants will be administered by The Boston Foundation in alignment with the City's Small Business Month Activation Grants program. This program supports business-serving nonprofits in creating activations that elevate Boston's small business community, connect entrepreneurs with resources and opportunities, and bring new vitality to neighborhoods across the city.

Interim Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Donald Wright expressed his enthusiasm for Airbnb's commitment to supporting small businesses. He stated, "Small businesses have a tremendous impact in our communities...We are thrilled Airbnb is committed to supporting and celebrating our small businesses."

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This funding comes at a crucial time as Boston prepares for an unprecedented summer filled with major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Sail Boston, and Boston 250. The initiative aims to extend the benefits of tourism beyond traditional visitor destinations and into commercial corridors throughout the city by supporting neighborhood-based programming and business activations.

Lee Pelton, President and CEO of The Boston Foundation, emphasized the importance of these grants in celebrating and strengthening small businesses that are the backbone of Boston's communities. He stated, "Just as the World Cup connects, uplifts, and unites us on a global stage...these grants celebrate and strengthen the small businesses that are the backbone of Boston's communities."

The Boston Foundation will announce additional information about grantees in the coming weeks. With this investment, Mayor Wu, Airbnb, and The Boston Foundation are working together to ensure that all parts of Boston benefit from the economic opportunities brought by major events this summer.

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