Small Business Networking Breakfasts

This quarterly networking breakfast series brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals to connect, share resources, exchange ideas, and build relationships over breakfast.  This network breakfast series features guest speakers from local government, financial institutions, or successful businesses who answer questions and provide valuable insights, while also offering opportunities to network and collaborate with other small business owners in the district.

---

Upham’s Corner Sidewalk Cleaning Project

The Upham’s Corner Sidewalk Street Cleaning Program is a weekly, community‑driven initiative that employs local residents to keep our sidewalks clean, safe, and welcoming in the business district. The partnership with neighborhood business owners at Oasis Restaurant and Dahlia’s Garden has been instrumental in the maintenance of this program. These partners intake issues that require immediate action and direct the cleaning crew to the area affected in order to efficiently mitigate safety hazards. The program not only preserves our district’s curb appeal but also fosters strong local relationships and supports small business collaboration. This hands-on effort highlights  UCMS’ commitment to both economic vitality and community pride—one swept sidewalk at a time.

---

Upham’s Corner Public Safety Taskforce & District Walk

The Upham’s Corner Public Safety Task Force and District Walk brings together community members, local leaders, social service agencies, and law‑enforcement partners for monthly meetings and quarterly walks to identify and address safety concerns throughout the district. In close collaboration with the Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC), this initiative actively engages all stakeholders – business owners, residents, and visitors – to ensure they have a voice in creating a safer, more connected Upham’s Corner. These outings also provide opportunities for proactive dialogue in how to address and resolve safety issues.

---

Up Market Program

The Up Market program was initiated by artists for building a successful, creative economy that uplifts local artists through a curated marketplace. Here, patrons can discover and purchase finely crafted goods – from original fine art and illustrations to jewelry, knitwear, leather accessories, natural skincare, photography, and textile designs – all handmade by our talented community of makers. By partnering on signature events like Company One’s six‑week summer series at The Strand, the Jose Mateo Ballet Nutcracker winter performances, and the DSNI Multicultural Summer Festival, the Up Market not only showcases the district’s artistic vibrancy but also generates meaningful economic opportunities for our creators.

---

Community Events

Upham’s Corner Main Street hosts a variety of annual events that bring the community together to acknowledge the district’s uniqueness. The Love Your Block  clean-ups are volunteer-powered and support the beautification efforts while addressing health and safety concerns.

The festive Holiday Tree Lighting celebrates the winter season with food, music, family-friendly activities, and a visit from the Mayor. Small Business Saturday, an initiative supported by American Express and Main Street America, encourages residents to shop locally during the holiday season. These events not only build community spirit but also energize the local economy by drawing attention to the small businesses that make Upham’s Corner special.