Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce

Lunch & Learn: Exiting Your Business – Strategies for Owners, Families, and Successors
2026-03-04 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | GLCC Office, 614 Washington St., 2nd Floor, Lynn, MA, 01901, United States
Lunch & Learn:
Exiting Your Business – Strategies for Owners, Families, and Successors
March 4 | 12-1:30 PM | GLCC Office

Stepping away from your business is hard. It’s also the most important financial decision most entrepreneurs ever make. This free 60-minute workshop will cover key exit strategies for business owners, their families, and their successors.
Join financial planner Bryce Schuler, CFP® and attorney, Christine Carey, Esq., as they discuss how to exit your business thoughtfully. The workshop will cover practical steps for those planning to sell, transfer, or gradually phase out of their businesses. Attendees will gain a clear framework to define their vision and put it into action.
Free to attend | Advanced RSVP Required
Lunch by April’s Restaurant

About the Facilitators:
Bryce Schuler:
Bryce Schuler is a Financial Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional at BaldwinClarke in Bedford, NH. Bryce and his team provide planning and investment services to entrepreneurs, families, and businesses throughout New England. Bryce’s diverse skill set merges each client’s personal goals with their business objectives into a succinct financial plan. Bryce is a frequent contributor to the New Hampshire Business Review, an active member of the NH Estate Planning Council, and a leader in the Manchester Young Professionals.

Christine Carey: Christine Carey is a member of the Real Estate Bar Association, Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce, and Seaside Women’s Network. Christine’s firm provides a full range of legal services including but not limited to startup corporate formation through to advising business owners on operations and sale of their companies and estate planning. Christine also provides a full range of real estate services from home purchases through complex real estate transactions. She has helped clients form companies, grow, and then sell their businesses.

Weekly Trivia @ Bent Water Brewing Taproom
2026-03-05 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-26 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | M
Every Thursday from 7 PM to 9 PM Bent Water will be hosting a Trivia!

SBA Programs & Services
2026-03-10 08:30 - 10:30 | The Enterprise Center at Salem State University, 121 Loring Avenue, Salem, M, 01970, United States
Are you thinking on Starting a Business? Do You Need Small Business Assistance?
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Can Help!
Join Lisa Gonzalez Welch, Economic Development Specialist with the Small Business Administration MA Office to learn how the SBA programs and services can be of assistance to help you start, expand, grow, and recover your business. During this presentation you will gain information on: ·
• Introduction to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
• SBA Resource Partner Network – Learn how the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC), Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE), Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) and SCORE can be of assistance through Business Training, & One-on-One Mentoring
• Access to Capital – SBA backed loan programs
• Selling to the Federal Government – Contracting Opportunities to grow your business
This informative workshop is offered at no cost and is being sponsored in partnership with the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD).

Commonwealth Payroll & HR Webinar: How to Outsmart the Next Wave of Payroll Cyber Fraud
2026-03-10 13:00 - 14:00 | M
If someone cloned your voice and called payroll today… would your team catch it?
AI is reshaping fraud in ways most business owners haven’t fully seen yet. Attacks are faster, more convincing, and harder to detect. Criminals are using automation to run thousands of personalized scams at once. They can mimic your internal tone, scrape employee data, and even use cloned voices to “authorize” urgent payroll changes.
Payroll is a prime target!
That’s why you won’t want to miss our webinar on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET with Steve Lenderman, Head of Fraud Protection with our platform partner, isolved.
In this session, we’ll cover:
-What’s changing in AI-driven fraud in 2026—and how it could directly impact your business
-The next wave of business email compromise targeting payroll
-Sophisticated fake direct deposit requests that look legitimate
-Evolving insider misuse and credential abuse
-Third-party payroll and vendor vulnerabilities that can expose multiple companies at once
-The added fraud risks tied to crypto payroll, digital wallets, stablecoins, and shifting regulations
Most importantly, you’ll learn about real defenses you can put in place, because technology alone won’t protect you. Your processes and your culture matter just as much.
This session will help you stay one step ahead—so you can protect your payroll, your people, and your business before a costly mistake forces you to learn the hard way.

GAC Meeting with Peter Milano, MA Office of Business Development
2026-03-11 08:30 - 09:30 | GLCC Office, 614 Washington St., 2nd Floor, Lynn, MA, 01901, United States
GAC Meeting with Peter Milano, Director of Strategy & Business Development
at MA Office of Business Development
Wednesday, March 11 | 8:30-9:30 AM
Meeting held in-person at GLCC and via Zoom

About Peter Milano:
Peter Milano has dedicated 26 years to economic development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For 25 of those years, he has worked at the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), supporting companies ranging from early-stage startups to Fortune 10 corporations. An additional year was spent with the Massachusetts Office of International Trade & Investment, where he focused on recruiting foreign direct investment to the Commonwealth.
Peter joined MOBD in 1999 as a Project Manager in the Northeast Region and has since worked across the Commonwealth, applying state economic development programs to help companies site, expand, and grow in Massachusetts.
Currently, Peter serves as Director of Strategy & Business Development and Director at the Massachusetts Office of Business Development. In this role, he coordinates regional and administrative teams in the implementation of the state’s economic development programs and leads engagement with municipalities and business partners statewide.
In 2024, Peter was named a “Top 50 Economic Developer” by Consultant Connect, recognizing his contributions among state, county, and municipal economic development professionals nationwide.
Prior to joining MOBD, Peter owned and operated several small businesses and served as National Sales and Marketing Manager for a chemical and soap dispensing company.

All are welcome to attend!
Register for IN-PERSON | Register for ZOOM

Introduction to State Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses (WEBINAR)
2026-03-11 09:00 - 10:00 | ONLINE-WEBINAR
Unlock Business Opportunities with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts!
Did you know that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts spends billions of dollars each year on goods and services—from office supplies to consulting services—through its network of Statewide Contract vendors?
Join us for an informative workshop designed specifically for small businesses interested in learning how to do business with the state.
In this session, you’ll learn:
• How the state procurement process works
• An introduction to COMMBUYS, the Commonwealth’s online procurement platform
• The benefits of becoming a Statewide Contract vendor
• Practical next steps to get your business ready for state contracting opportunities
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to do business with the State of Massachusetts.
This informative workshop is offered at no cost and is being sponsored in partnership with the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD).

Cafecito con Propósito: The Power of Collaboration
2026-03-17 12:00 - 13:00 | M
Collaboration isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s a revenue driver. Join the MA LGBT Chamber of Commerce and IntiNova Consulting for an insightful Lunch & Learn. We’ll dive into how strategic partnerships with fellow business owners can expand your reach, unlock new revenue streams, and build lasting community roots.
Stop growing in isolation. Learn how to turn “working together” into a measurable growth strategy for your business.

Understanding Employment Classification: Independent Contractor vs Employee (WEBINAR)
2026-03-18 09:00 - 10:00 | ONLINE-WEBINAR
Are you hiring workers for your business?
Join business attorneys for this informative webinar focused on Massachusetts and federal employee classification laws and regulations. This session will provide guidance on distinguishing between independent contractors and employees, understanding employer responsibilities, and recognizing the legal protections afforded to employees.
Topics Covered:
· Independent Contractors vs. Employees: Why Classification Matters
· Massachusetts Worker Classification Law: Employer Duties and Employee Protections (minimum wage, overtime, workplace protections)
· Why Businesses Use Independent Contractors, and the Legal Implications
· The Massachusetts Three-Part Test for Independent Contractor Status
· Federal Standards: IRS and U.S. Department of Labor (FLSA) guidelines for worker classification
· Penalties for Worker Misclassification
Who Should Attend:
· Small Business Owners and Employers
· Human Resources Professionals
· Entrepreneurs and Start-up Founders
· Independent Contractors
· Business Consultants and others interested in employment law compliance
Facilitators: Velinda Peralta Bolduc, Jenny Eldred
This informative workshop is offered at no cost and is being sponsored in partnership with the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD).

LinkedIn + Reddit: The Content Engine for Business Growth
2026-03-19 08:30 - 10:30 | The Enterprise Center at Salem State University, 121 Loring Avenue, Salem, M, 01970, United States
“LinkedIn + Reddit: The Content Engine for Business Growth” is a 2 hour, no-fluff workshop for small business owners who want a simple way to get more visibility, build credibility, and generate trust on LinkedIn & Reddit. We’ll break down how people actually vet businesses today (feeds + forums + recommendations), why “just post more” fails, and how LinkedIn and Reddit can work together to build brand authority.
You’ll learn the 4 pillars of LinkedIn + Reddit success:
Thought leadership – clear opinions + proof that positions you as the expert
FAQ content strategy – turn real customer questions into high-performing posts
Community credibility – earn trust by showing up in the right conversations
The content loop – mine Reddit for what people ask, publish on LinkedIn to scale it
Don’t miss this opportunity to build your brand!
Facilitator: Ray St. Amand
This informative workshop is offered at no cost and is being sponsored in partnership with the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD).

SBA Procurement Workshop (WEBINAR)
2026-03-24 08:30 - 10:30 | ONLINE-WEBINAR
The SBA procurement workshops are designed to help small businesses understand the federal contracting process and how to effectively compete for contracts. These workshops cover a range of topics, including:
Understanding federal contracting: Participants learn about the different types of contracts and certifications available.
Spotting opportunities: Workshop attendees learn smart ways to identify and pursue federal contracting opportunities.
Compliance and compliance assistance: Practical advice to stay compliant with federal regulations and avoid common pitfalls.
Expert insights: Real examples and expert insights from SBA insiders to guide participants through the process.
Certifications: Information on certifications like 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, and more to help businesses position themselves for success.
These workshops are a valuable resource for small business owners, especially those looking to expand their business by working with the government. They provide a comprehensive overview of the federal contracting landscape and equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the process successfully.
Registration is required to attend this webinar. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants prior to the webinar.
This informative webinar is offered at no cost and is being sponsored in partnership with the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD).

Crack the Code: Instagram Algorithm Basics for Business Owners
2026-03-26 08:30 - 10:30 | The Enterprise Center at Salem State University, 121 Loring Avenue, Salem, M, 01970, United States
Ever feel like Instagram is hiding your content? You’re not imagining it. In this workshop, business owners will learn how the Instagram algorithm actually works—and how to use it to your advantage. We’ll break down what Instagram prioritizes, how to increase reach and engagement, and the best practices for posts, Reels, Stories, and consistency—without spending hours online. Perfect for entrepreneurs who want clarity, confidence, and better results from Instagram.
Speaker: Alyse Grimm
This informative workshop is offered at no cost and is being sponsored in partnership with the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD).

2026 GLCC Annual Meeting & Business Excellence Awards
2026-03-26 18:00 - 21:00 | Kowloon, 948 Broadway, Saugus
Celebrate leadership, achievement, and community impact at the Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting & Business Excellence Awards!
The evening features networking, a reflection on the past year’s accomplishments, and the induction of the Chamber’s incoming officers and Board of Directors.
The event also celebrates excellence across our business community, honoring outstanding businesses, nonprofit organizations, employees, and individuals through the Business Excellence Awards, including Businessman and Businesswoman of the Year, Business of the Year, Community Service, Volunteer of the Year, Employee of the Year, Lynn City Pride, and the Town Pride Awards for Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscott.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:
Premier Sponsors

Award Sponsors

Community Champions
Cataldo Ambulance | Flag Pharmacy | Life Care Center of the North Shore
North Shore Bank | Reading Cooperative Bank | Salem State University
St. Jean’s Credit Union | The Dugout

Easter Bunny at Lynn City Hall!
2026-03-31 15:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-01 14:30 - 16:00, 2026-04-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Lynn City Hall, 3 City Hall Square, Lynn

Start Up Tuesday-Writing a Winning Business Plan
2026-04-07 08:30 - 10:30 | The Enterprise Center at Salem State University, 121 Loring Avenue, Salem, M, 01970, United States
This workshop is designed for startup businesses seeking a strong foundation for long-term success. Participants will learn the essential elements of an effective business plan, focusing on content and format that make it a valuable internal planning tool—even when a plan is not required for investors or lenders.
The session guides entrepreneurs through examining their ideas from new perspectives, testing the viability of their products or services, and clarifying target markets. Participants will also learn how to use a business plan as a living guide and benchmark to track progress, make informed decisions, and stay focused on long-term goals.
Thomas Kristoph Certified SCORE Mentor
This informative workshop is offered at no cost and is being sponsored in partnership with the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD).

Small Business Resource Series: Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) State Resources Update (WEBINAR)
2026-04-08 09:00 - 10:00 | ONLINE-WEBINAR
Please join this important webinar to learn about Commonwealth of Massachusetts resources to help businesses grow and thrive. Maria Nigro Di Stefano, Northeast Regional Director of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) will conduct this webinar and will discuss the following business resources:
Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP)
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center
Technical Assistance Providers
Workforce Development Programs
MassDevelopment/Mass Growth Capital Corporation Business Resources and financing programs
Our newest TeamMA initiative, the Business Front Door
This informative webinar is offered at no cost and is being sponsored in partnership with the and is being sponsored in partnership with the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD).

Unlock the Marketing Potential of Your Small Business
2026-04-09 08:30 - 10:30 | The Enterprise Center at Salem State University, 121 Loring Avenue, Salem, M, 01970, United States
Marketing your small business doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even without a dedicated marketing team. If you’re struggling to find the time or strategy to make it work, this workshop is for you!
In this highly interactive session, you’ll learn how to focus your efforts on the areas that deliver the best results for your business. We’ll break down the four key areas of successful marketing—message, audience, systems, and timing—and show you how to apply them to your unique business situation.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll walk away with:
· A clear understanding of why past marketing efforts may have fallen short.
· Practical, actionable steps you can implement right away to drive real results.
Don’t let marketing be a challenge—join us and take the first step toward building a marketing strategy that works for your business!
This informative workshop is offered at no cost and is being sponsored in partnership with the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD).

Rooted in Recovery...Growing in Grace, Ruth's Way Spring Celebration
2026-04-10 18:00 - 22:00 | M
Our Spring Celebration Fundraiser, “Rooted in Recovery, Growing in Grace,” brings together the recovery community to honor resilience and celebrate new beginnings. Enjoy great food in a casual atmosphere, hear inspiring and courageous recovery stories, and delight in a night to connect with friends and meet some new ones, as we embrace the spirit of hope, healing, and recovery. FREE parking is available.

Finding and Retaining Volunteers (WEBINAR)
2026-04-15 08:30 - 10:30 | ONLINE-WEBINAR
Volunteers play an important role in our community. Volunteer activities can include anything
from caring for children, feeding the homeless, and rescuing animals to protecting our natural
resources and environment. This training explores the diverse roles volunteers can play within a charitable organization and provides practical guidance on planning for volunteer engagement, recruiting and onboarding volunteers, mitigating legal and risk considerations, and recognizing,
This informative webinar is offered at no cost and is being sponsored in partnership with the and is being sponsored in partnership with the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD).

3rd Annual Resource Showcase for Minority Owned & Diverse Businesses
2026-04-16 15:00 - 17:00 | The Enterprise Center at Salem State University, 121 Loring Avenue, Salem, M, 01970, United States
The North Shore Alliance for Economic Development will be hosting its 3rd Annual Resource Showcase for Minority Owned & Diverse Businesses on Thursday April 16, 2026 from 3:00-5:00pm at the Enterprise Center.
The goal of this event is to bring greater awareness of the private and public resources available to these businesses and to continue to expand the work of its online Small Business Diversity Directory.
Attendees will be able to meet Resource showcase representatives, receive information, ask questions and network. Additionally, attendees will learn more about joining the Alliance’s online North Shore Small Business Diversity Directory that helps to improve equity and diversity in both public and private sector contracting. Stop by anytime between 3:00 – 5:00 pm
* Minority Owned and Diverse Business:
Have at least 51% of the ownership team in at least one of the following categories: Immigrant, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender persons/people (LGBTQIA), Black/African American, Hispanic or Latino (Central/South American or Caribbean), American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, Portuguese, Disability-Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran, Veteran, and/or Woman/Women.
How to Register: The Resource Showcase is at no cost to attendees. Registration is required to attend.
Resource Showcase Participants to date:
E for ALL https://eforall.org/
MASSHIRE-North Shore Career Center https://www.mass.gov/masshire-career-centers-for-jobseekers
Nectar Community Investments https://nectarinvests.org/
North Shore Latino Business Association https://mynslba.com/
MassDevelopment https://www.massdevelopment.com/
Massachusetts Office of Business Development https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-office-of-business-development
Northeast Legal Aid https://www.northeastlegalaid.org/
Operational Services Division (OSD) https://www.mass.gov/orgs/operational-services-division
SCORE https://www.score.org/

Laugh in Lynn: Centerboard's Palette Function Room Launches Comedy Special Featuring NYC Comedian Santi Espinosa
2026-04-16 19:00 - 22:00 | M
A new comedy special is bringing big laughs to Lynn for the first time. Palette, the function room owned and operated by Centerboard, is launching “Laugh in Lynn,” a new live comedy event designed to expand access to stand-up comedy in the city. The inaugural show will take place April 16, 2026, in partnership with The Cabot, Off Cabot, and Laugh Boston, bringing nationally touring comedians directly to Lynn audiences.
The kickoff event will feature New York City–based multilingual comedian Santi Espinosa, known for his honest, personal storytelling and energetic stage presence. Espinosa hosts the popular ItMatters Comedy showcase at the New York Comedy Club and has performed everywhere from comedy clubs across North America to sold-out shows in London, England and Bogotá, Colombia. He recently recorded his debut comedy album.
The event will be presented as a bilingual English and Spanish comedy show, reflecting Lynn’s diverse community and making the experience accessible to a broader audience.
Palette, located in downtown Lynn and owned and operated by the nonprofit Centerboard, serves as a community gathering space that hosts cultural programming, events, and performances. Through initiatives like Laugh in Lynn, the venue aims to create more opportunities for residents to experience arts and entertainment locally.
“Lynn has such a vibrant and diverse community, and we wanted to create a space where people can come together, laugh, and experience high-quality comedy right in their city,” said organizers. “Partnering with The Cabot, Off Cabot, and Laugh Boston helps bring established comedians and new audiences to Lynn while expanding access to live entertainment on the North Shore.”
The Laugh in Lynn special aims to build a comedy presence in the city by collaborating with regional arts organizations and comedy venues to showcase both established and emerging comedians.
The kickoff event will take place Thursday, April 16, 2026, with doors opening at 7:00 PM and the show beginning at 8:00 PM.
Event Details
Laugh in Lynn featuring Santi Espinosa
April 16, 2026
Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 8:00 PM
Bilingual English/Spanish Comedy Show
Palette Function Room, Lynn MA
16a City Hall Square Lynn, MA 01901

Blazing The Trail: Hats, Heels, Bow Ties, & Blazers Tea 2026
2026-04-18 11:00 - 15:00 | M
Blazing the Trail: Hats, Heels, Bow Ties & Blazers Tea 2026
Put on your favorite hat, slip into your heels, rock a sharp blazer, or add a bold bow tie — however you express your style, you’re invited.
✨ About the Event
Blazing the Trail is more than this year’s theme — it’s a reflection of the leaders, visionaries, and community members who blaze the trail making it bright enough for others to follow.
🍵 What to Expect
Join us for a thoughtfully curated tea experience featuring:

Live artistic and cultural expression
Meaningful conversation and reflection
A welcoming, stylish atmosphere
Community leaders and change-makers from across the region

Gather with us to connect, be inspired, and recommit to blazing trails that create opportunity, access, and impact.
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE:

Play It Forward: A Dueling Piano Fundraiser for Centerboard
2026-04-23 18:00 - 21:00 | M
Join us for Play It Forward, a fun night of dueling pianos raising funds for Centerboard’s programs!
Get ready for a FULL night of music, laughter, and community impact! Join us for Play It Forward, an interactive dueling piano fundraiser where all proceeds support Centerboard’s work with families and individuals in our community.
Bring your tips, song requests, and energy as talented pianists take your favorite songs and turn them into an unforgettable live experience. Whether you love pop hits, classic rock, R&B, or throwback favorites—this is your chance to help shape the playlist while supporting a great cause.
🌟Featuring pianists Greg Asadoorian and Davina Yannetty🌟
For sponsorship opportunities and information contact Development Director Machel Piper via email at mpiper@centerboard.org.
