Our Mission

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm, expands economic opportunity through its initiatives focused on workforce and talent development, and small business growth. Our work supports people and small businesses through programs that develop talent, cultivate future leaders, retain a strong workforce, and promote inclusive growth.

Together with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Foundation creates a powerful ecosystem that drives business success, strengthens communities, and enhances Massachusetts’ long-term competitiveness.

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Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Staff
Amber Haskell

VP and Chamber Foundation Executive Director

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Our Impact

1,400

Individuals Served Annually Across All of the Foundation initiatives

600+

Apprentices Placed Since 2022, with 91% of Apprentices Retained by Employer Post-Apprenticeship

90+

Business and Civic Leaders Engaging with Boston Public School Principals

Our Initiatives

Workforce & Talent Development

A group of young professionals networking.
A group of young professionals networking.

City Awake

The Chamber Foundation’s signature talent retention program, City Awake, brings together young professionals between 20-30 through dynamic programming that fosters civic engagement, expands networks, and celebrates Boston’s cultural diversity—shaping a more vibrant and inclusive future for the city.

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Mike Holland speaking at an Apprentice Network event.
Mike Holland speaking at an Apprentice Network event.

Massachusetts Apprentice Network

Launched in 2022, the Massachusetts Apprentice Network expands apprenticeship opportunities beyond the trades, convening partners across industries such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services to create new pathways for emerging talent.

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A photo of a crowded room, part of the BPS Principle Partners event.
A photo of a crowded room, part of the BPS Principle Partners event.

Partnership with Boston Public Schools

A well-designed partnership between the Boston business community and the public school system – one that provides for career-connected learning experiences, aligned skills development, and increased capacity for school leaders – is a critical element for educating Boston’s youth. Through our Principal Partners initiative and other employer engagement opportunities, the Chamber Foundation invites the Greater Boston business community to collaborate with Boston Public Schools leaders and their students to strengthen our communities and build the workforce of the future.

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Economic Inclusion

A crowded room of professionals networking.
A crowded room of professionals networking.

First Call by Small Business Strong

First Call connects microbusinesses (1-10 employees) with a dedicated Business Advisor for a free, one-hour consultation to explore challenges, identify opportunities, and gain access to local resources tailored to their needs.

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Two men speaking at a Pacesetters event.
Two men speaking at a Pacesetters event.

Pacesetters 

Through the Pacesetters initiative, the Chamber Foundation is developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform systemic opportunity for small and local businesses in Massachusetts. By advancing responsible sourcing practices and spend with small, local businesses, Pacesetters is a runway for economic inclusion that strengthens our region’s economy.

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Latest from the Foundation

Pacesetters
Pacesetters | Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

Aug 07, 20251:00pm2:00pmVirtual

Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on August 7, 2025.
Pacesetters
Pacesetters | Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Doing Business with Columbia Construction

May 29, 202512:00pm1:00pmVirtual

This virtual event gives small business owners the chance to hear directly from procurement officers about opportunities to work with them.
Series
Maximize Your Membership

Maximize Your Membership September 2025

Sep 09, 20253:00pm4:30pmGreater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Enjoy networking with fellow members and hear from Chamber Staff on how to best leverage your Membership to achieve your business goals.

In Massachusetts, retaining families, workers, entrepreneurs, and employers is a challenge.

This moment calls for action.

Hiring is harder than ever
Hiring is harder than ever

Downtown Boston is struggling
Downtown Boston is struggling

Population shift threatens the region amidst a high cost of living
Population shift threatens the region amidst a high cost of living

Economic inequities are persistent
Economic inequities are persistent

Chamber Foundation: Fierce Urgency of Now Event
Chamber Foundation: Fierce Urgency of Now Event

Transform the lives of current and future residents of the Commonwealth:

  • Make a three-year commitment to a specific program or set of programs.
  • Support the operation of the overall portfolio and mission
  • Connect us to potential partners
  • Share your feedback about our effort

Make a Donation

Thank you to our many programmatic funders who make this work possible!

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