The Brookline Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relations, in collaboration with the Brookline Economic Development and Long Term Planning Division, has been taking steps to more closely support the community’s Diverse Business Enterprises (DBEs) through the development of the Diverse and Inclusive Business Directory.
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In January 2022, the Town of Brookline released the first Diverse and Inclusive Business Directory to highlight and celebrate Brookline’s diverse, accessible, and inclusive independent business community.
Brookline businesses were invited through direct community canvassing and online campaigns, and they were encouraged to be included in this new Directory. Last year, 10 businesses were added, and the town incorporated community feedback to better highlight the intersectionality of business ownership through using the term “BIPOC-Owned” instead of the previously used term “Minority-Owned.”
This year, an additional 10 businesses were added. The Directory will continue to be updated annually and the Town hopes it will continue to evolve and serve as a marketing and networking tool for businesses, as well as help the Town of Brookline better align and develop programs and resources to meet the needs of Brookline’s Diverse Business Enterprises.
“Thanks to the collaboration between our Office and the Brookline Economic Development and Long Term Planning Division, we are so happy to make this project a reality,” said Caitlin Starr, Assistant Director in the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relations. “We are excited to continue our work to highlight and celebrate diversity and support BIPOC, Women, LGBTQ, Disability and Veteran-Owned businesses in Brookline.”
Residents can access a downloadable version of Brookline’s 2024 Diverse and Inclusive Business Directory here. Hard copies of the Directory are available at Town Hall, the Health Building, Brookline Libraries, and the Senior Center. An electronic Word document is also available for improved screen reader accessibility.
Questions about the Directory or how to best access it should be directed to Caitlin Starr, MPH, CDE, at cstarr@brooklinema.gov or at 617-730-2345.
