Membership Benefits



Your Business on Our Website

harvardsquare.com greets over 40,000 unique web visitors monthly who are destination driven consumers looking to stay, shop, dine and attend events. Type “Harvard Square” into any search engine and harvardsquare.com tops the list. HSBA membership includes having a page on our website with web links and e-mail options and opportunities to feature your events on our events calendar.

Our Website and Social Media Network

On average, harvardsquare.com receives approximately over 40,000 unique visitors every month. Our website is updated daily so that visitors, students and residents know what is happening in our restaurants, stores, services and cultural organizations. We have over 57,000 Facebook friends, over 13,000 X/Twitter followers and over 17,000 Instagram followers; these numbers increase daily. We have recently added TikTok which is increasing daily.

Discounts that Result in Sales

1) Reach over 100,000 people at Harvard Square’s annual MayFair and nearly 150,000 at Oktoberfest. Members receive discounts on booths located near your business or in a premiere spot.
2) Participate in any of our 100+ events through the year.
3) Members receive special discounted advertising rates.

4) Include your promotions or events in our monthly newsletter sent to over 22,000 local consumers. These newsletters have an average open rate of 50%.

Networking Opportunities

Meet and connect with HSBA members at annual networking functions or host one with our assistance.

Marketing Expertise and Support

Information about renovations, staffing, inventory, menu changes, sales, special offers, and events are always welcome. Let us help you spread the word through our robust social media network, e-mail, and web site.

Events

Looking to host an event of your own? Partner with us! We have proven experience producing over 100 effective and highly attended events annually.

Participate in our flagship events, Oktoberfest and MayFair, which attract over 100,000 attendees each.

The HSBA produces a full roster of traffic and consumer driven events annually including Salsa Squared, Taste of Chocolate and “Some Like it Hot” Chili Cook-off.

A Sense of Community in Ever Changing Times

The HSBA provides a forum that ensures the vibrancy, safety, and attractiveness of Harvard Square. Members are encouraged to weigh in on issues that impact the way business is conducted in the Square.

Need to speak with an expert in a specific field? The HSBA can assist you with making these connections.

We maintain active and highly regarded relationships with the City of Cambridge and Harvard University. We work together to ensure the ongoing improvements of the streetscapes; paying particular attention to sidewalks, roadways, light poles, bike lanes, parking, handicapped accessibility, plantings and street furniture.

Advocacy

We advocate for our members at the License Commission, BZA, Planning Board, Historical Commission and Harvard Square Advisory Committee to support, when appropriate, their applications for patio seating, liquor licenses, signage, and other licenses. In addition, we assist our members in navigating the City’s permit system.

Special member to member discounts through the Biz-2-Biz program

Cards are available for you and your staff that provide discounts and special offers at Harvard Square businesses. Members are encouraged to offer discounts in the program to help drive business and to promote customer loyalty. Biz-2-Biz 2024

Stewardship

We work closely with our social service agencies, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and the City of Cambridge to provide services for the most vulnerable in our community.

The HSBA purchases and cares for the flowers, public seating and holiday decorations.

Become A Member

Based on our mission, which is “to promote commerce in Harvard Square while being good stewards of the outside space”, it is with great pride that the Board of Directors welcomes and encourages membership in the Harvard Square Business Association.

Become a Member Now