CRA-ED Technology Initiative
Guiding Principles
BMSF / CRA-ED Technology Initiative
The BMSF CRA-ED Technology Initiative began three years ago with the mission of modernizing Main Street districts with industry leading technology and businesses processes. In an economy defined by educated, customer centric demand we knew this to be the best path for small businesses to compete in an ever changing marketplace. COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges to the small business community, upending the lives of not only entrepreneurs but the families that rely on their existences. With resulting shifts in the consumer behavior, we positioned program objectives and technology to focus on ecommerce, online ordering and expense reduction. Our program has proven to be a successful partnership between the BMSF, Boston Main Streets Program and technology providers willing to discount and adapt their solutions. This honed, effective formula shapes more sustainable businesses and can be applied in any community during any economic period, across the United States.
Our Mandate
Small businesses, and the families that rely on them, have faced unprecedented challenges over the past several years. It's crucial that these businesses reduce costs and adopt technology to survive and succeed with the growing need to serve customers on line.
Solution
A bundled Online Ordering and Point of Sale system developed via a Boston Main Streets Foundation/Citizens Bank pilot grant with low credit card processing and internet service fees supported by a team of retail and restaurant experts who are donating their time to support businesses. Implemented in partnership with twenty neighborhood Main Street non profit organizations.
Impact
Sixteen businesses across seven BMSF districts have participated since the pilot phase. Our team has helped these locations implement better technology, offer opportunities for online sales all while reducing operational expenses (credit card fees, internet fees and POS fees).
Learn more about what we do
Program Implementation Process
Outreach Phase (1 week)
1. Town/municipality communicates program to small business community.
2. Listing of interested businesses is complied and provided to CRA.
Discovery Phase (1 week)
3. CRA-ED sets up individual consultation with business owners that will be used to understand business needs and gather technology requirements (30 60 minutes).
4. Following the meeting, business will be extended a Program Offer to formally participate in the program.
Onboarding & Implementation Phase (4-5 weeks)
5. Once accepted, CRA-ED will introduce owner over to Technology Onboarding Team to finalize requirements.
6. CRA-ED and Technology Partner will begin to gather retail inventory, set up payment processing and complete other onboarding tasks.
7. CRA-ED and Technology Partner will jointly install the Point of Sale and eCommerce solutions.
8. CRA-ED and Technology Partner will test the system and train the retailer.
9. Introduction to SCORE and/or CRA-ED Mentor.
Summary
5-7 total weeks per business including multiple interviews, onboarding/installation and website design.
What the Technology Initiative Delivers
All of our offerings are a la carte for both the end users and the communities which engage our firm.
Operating Cost Reduction
Internet and Credit Card Processing Expense
New Point of Sale (POS) System
POS Hardware and Software for Retail or Restaurant
Business Coaching
1-Hour CRA-ED Consultations and SCORE Mentoring
Online Order Integration
Buy online pickup in store (BOPIS Functionality)
Buy online pickup at curb (BOPAC Functionality)
Web Design
Secure Domain Name / Website Domain / Photography / Social and Commerce Integration
Community Impact
$130K+
Operational savings in year one!
65%
Female Owned Businesses
87%
BIPOC Owned Businesses
Small Business Testimonials
Testimonial
“Our restaurant hesitated to change point of sale vendors due to the daunting time commitment and technically requirements. With CRA's help we selected and installed the Quantic POS solution seamlessly with our day to day operations. Our new system enables many new features like online sales, is super easy for staff to work with, and saved us thousands in fees. After 13 years with the wrong POS, CRA helped us make the change in less than 3 weeks. From start to finish, everybody has been very helpful. This program has been very good for our business and comes at an important time. “
Testimonial
“Having been born and raised in Boston, the community has done so much for me throughout my entire life. Now, it’s important tha t I give back to my community and set an example of what it’s like to be an entrepreneur. This program has not only given me the understanding of what I need to run a successful operation, but the confidence to do so. I truly appreciate the patience and sup port the team has provided me throughout the entire process. The relationship and commitment is priceless.”
Testimonial
“I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for allowing me and my brand to be a part of such an amazing organ iza tion. I am overjoyed and overwhelmed with emotions. I can't stress enough how grateful I am, but I will show you by working my hardest and achieving my goals with your assistance. You guys have a life changing program, especially for people such as myself, so I would just like to wish you all the best, success and longevity! Anything you ever need from me in the future please don't hesitate at all.”
Testimonial
“It’s really important to me as a business owner that I balance a positive employee and customer experience. Technology has been critical to the success of being able to do so. Not only has this program allowed me to deliver an ordering solution that’s easy for my employees to use, but it’s also easy for my customers. The program has improved my quality of life and has ultimately allowed for the growth of my small business within our community.”
BMSF Testimonials
“This is one of the best programs I’ve seen during my tenure as Boston Main Streets Foundation Board Chairman Cambridge Retail Advisors has been responsive, dedicated and easy to work with This has been a transformational initiative that has provided a lifeline to retail and restaurant owners around the city of Boston during this COVID 19 pandemic."
“The BMSF Technology Initiative resulted in the creation of a valuable product to improve business management, reduce business costs and implement e commerce."