#  Economic Development 

 



##  Supporting local small businesses with resources, coaching, and networking opportunities 

 

 

       ![Small Business Fair at the Harvard Ed Portal](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-04/IMG_4390%20%281%29_0.jpg?h=c8106d24&itok=QZE5SDH2) 

 

 



 

 



 

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The Ed Portal supports the Allston-Brighton business community with workshops, networking events, and coaching designed to foster success in today’s dynamic economy. From prospective entrepreneurs to established small businesses, we offer interactive, results-oriented programs led by experienced instructors to help plan and grow businesses.

Harvard is also dedicated to strengthening the Western Avenue commercial district, creating a vibrant neighborhood where local businesses can thrive.



 

     ![Economic Dev Presentation with speaker](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_3_4__480x640/public/2025-04/_DSC3912.jpg?itok=qncioatK) 

 



 

  

 

     ![People visiting a table of brochures and offerings at the ed portal](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-04/_DSC3723.jpg?itok=qP_TeJE1) 

 



 

  

 

     ![People network at an Ed Portal Economic Development Event](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-04/_DSC4107.jpg?h=d33fcc48&itok=TRtYN9_J) 

 



 

  

 

 

 

 

 ### Launch Your Business

This series of workshops and educational opportunities allow you to invest in your business. These workshops are presented by leaders and experts in the local business community, including state and city government offices, private nonprofit resources, Chambers of Commerce, and other small business administrations and support services.



 

  

 

 

 

 ### Flexible Self-Paced Learning 

Access free online courses across a variety of subjects through HarvardX, a University-wide initiative launched alongside edX, the non-profit learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT. Additionally, Allston-Brighton residents and Harvard Ed Portal members can receive LinkedIn Learning scholarships by attending an Ed Portal Economic Development program, providing even more opportunities to grow and thrive.



 

  

 

 

 

 ### Harvard ManageMentor

Harvard ManageMentor instructor-led sessions empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals to turn innovative ideas into tangible results, whether it’s a new product, service, or process that creates real impact for your team, organization, and customers.

Duration: Orientation + 2 live, 2-hour sessions  
Format: Interactive, experiential, and hands-on learning  
Audience: Entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals ready to make innovation happen

About the presenter: Led by Areen Shahbari, President of Cactus Int. LLC and expert in entrepreneurship, strategy, and innovation, this workshop draws on her extensive experience helping leaders and organizations pivot, enhance offerings, and drive growth. Areen has delivered transformative training at Harvard, Stanford, and to top organizations such as Salesforce, MediaTek, USAA, and the Saudi Industrial Development Fund. She brings a results-driven approach that equips participants with actionable strategies to strengthen value propositions and achieve tangible results. A Fulbright Scholar and recipient of the Harvard Distinguished Teaching Performance Award, Areen holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship and works globally to help leaders innovate and create impactful solutions.



 

  

 

 

 

 ### Network & Resource Sharing

Contact our team to learn about additional resources including:

- **Annual Small Business Resource Fair:** For local experts and service providers offering resources in marketing, funding, business planning, legal support, and more.
- **Massachusetts and Boston government offices** providing services that can enrich your business.
- **Online business resources**



 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

##  Staff 

 



  [### Marisa Lopez

 ](/people/marisa-lopez) [marisa\_lopez@harvard.edu](mailto:marisa_lopez@harvard.edu)Workforce & Economic Development

 

 

 

      ![Marisa Lopez Staff Photo](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hep/files/marisa-lopez_0.png?itok=99skGoJy) 

 

 

 

   [### Danielle Easton

 ](/people/danielle-easton) [danielle\_easton@harvard.edu](mailto:danielle_easton@harvard.edu)Workforce & Economic Development

Operations

 

 

 

      ![Danielle Easton Headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hep/files/de_headshot_.jpg?itok=rXc-k0bG) 

 

 

 

   [### Lei Zhang

 ](/people/lei-zhang) [lei\_zhang@harvard.edu](mailto:lei_zhang@harvard.edu)Workforce & Economic Development

Operations

 

 

 

      ![zhang-portrait](/sites/g/files/omnuum12051/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-03/Lei%20Zhang%20headshot.png?itok=Ms3lOXLS)