New Somerville Commercial Leasing Handbook Offers Tools to Support Small Business Stability

Small businesses face many challenges, which is why roughly one out of five businesses fail in the first year, and about half close in the first five years nationally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But as part of overall efforts to combat displacement of residents, artists, and local businesses, the City of Somerville just unveiled a new tool to help its small businesses improve their odds. 

The City, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), has released a new Commercial Leasing Handbook. It includes vital tips to help small business owners secure favorable leases, which can mean the difference between rent and conditions they can afford or costs that make it harder to survive. The handbook takes owners through a range of steps to navigate the complex world of commercial leasing. The goal is to build long-term stability for businesses, their employees, and the City in a challenging real estate environment.

The Handbook is a major deliverable from the City’s Small Business Anti-Displacement Taskforce and was shaped by the voices and lived experience of 20 Somerville small business owners, legal experts, and advocacy organizations. Their real-world knowledge is captured in practical, clear guidance to help entrepreneurs negotiate favorable leases, understand their rights, and avoid common pitfalls.

“This handbook is a real, tangible tool for our small business community,” said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “We heard from business owners who were being pushed out or struggling to grow because of unfair or confusing lease terms. This Handbook is one way we’re giving our entrepreneurs the knowledge and power they need to succeed. And when our businesses succeed, our community succeeds: we get jobs, services, vibrant business districts, and tax revenues that fund the services and programs we deserve and need.”

The Handbook includes legal basics, negotiation tips, permitting guidance, and advice from other business owners. It is translated into multiple languages commonly spoken by Somerville’s small business community.

To celebrate the launch and walk through how the Handbook was created, a virtual event will be held on Thursday, April 10. A recording of the event will also be available online. 

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
• Time: 5-6p.m.
• Zoom Link: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zZmFEk40Qv2IDgPjwR3nug#/registration

“We really want to thank all the business owners who shared their insights and first-hand experiences for the Handbook. This kind of knowledge transfer can really help give newcomers the best possible strategies for making sure their leases help set them up for success here,” said Somerville Director of Economic Development Rachel Nadkarni. “We are lucky in Somerville to not just have engaged residents, but to have such a truly community-minded business community as well.”

To download the Handbook or request a printed copy, visit somervillema.gov/commercialleasinghandbook.

-City of Somerville