Business Resources

Start and Grow Your Business

 

Businesses located in the City of Oakland may apply for the certification as a Local Business Enterprise (LBE) or Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) or Very Small Local Business Enterprise (VSLBE) or Locally Produced Goods (LPG).

Program Update

As of January 6, 2025, the City of Oakland has changed Small and Local Business Enterprise (S/LBE) certification criteria. These legislative changes (Ordinance 13825 C.M.S.) apply to all types of small business certifications.

Please note that our vendor is currently updating our certification program, Business Inclusion Management System (BIMS), to reflect program changes. However, all applications for certification, whether a first-time application or renewal application, including any pending applications, will be reviewed under the new criteria as of January 6, 2025. If you encounter any technical issues with your application during this time, or have any questions about the new program criteria, please email certification@oaklandca.gov.

Join local organizations that will help you grow your network and get advice about your business

Alliance for Community Development

The Alliance for Community Development is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs in the Bay Area. They provide access to capital, mentorship, and educational resources to help diverse small business owners grow and thrive. Learn more about their programs and how they can support your business at the Alliance for Community Development website.

AnewAmerica Women’s Business Center

AnewAmerica helps women, immigrants, and minorities start and grow their businesses with training and one-on-one advice. They have a center right here in Oakland. Learn more at anewamerica.org.

East Bay Small Business Development Center

The East Bay Small Business Development Center provides free consulting and seminars, along with connections to additional resources, to local business owners. Learn more about their services at the East Bay Small Business Development Center website.

ESO Ventures

ESO Ventures helps new business owners learn and grow. They offer programs to build skills and get funding. Visit www.eso-ventures.com.

Centro Community Partners

The Centro Community Partners is an Oakland-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs through entrepreneurship education, one-on-one coaching, financial literacy, and access to capital. They offer programs to start, fund, and grow businesses—like microloan support via their Centro Capital Hub—and provide ongoing mentorship to help diverse founders succeed. Learn more about how they can support your business on the Centro Community Partners website.

Inner City Advisors

Inner City Advisors (ICA) is an organization that helps build inner city businesses that create good jobs and invest in the community. They provide their Portfolio Companies and other local entrepreneurs with high caliber consulting, strategic advice, entrepreneurship education and access to resources and professional networks. Learn more at Inner City Advisors.

Kapor

Kapor Capital invests in startups that solve real-world problems, especially for underrepresented communities. They support tech and mission-driven companies. Learn more at www.kaporcapital.com.

OCCUR NOW

OCCUR supports Oakland’s underrepresented communities through economic programs, housing help, and training. They help business owners connect with local leaders and grow. Visit occurnow.org .

Port Labs

Port Labs is a 22,000 sq. ft. innovation hub in Uptown Oakland designed for early-stage physical product companies. Entrepreneurs can access coworking space, prototyping tools, private offices, and expert startup support. Learn more about memberships, programs, and prototyping resources at www.portlabs.co.

Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

The mission of Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is to grow the entrepreneurial capacities of socially and economically diverse women and men and strengthen communities through the creation of sustainable new businesses, new jobs and the promotion of financial self-sufficiency. Learn more at the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

Runway

Runway supports Black and Brown entrepreneurs with money and coaching. They focus on closing the funding gap. Learn more at www.runway.org.

SCORE East Bay

SCORE gives free mentoring and low-cost classes to people who want to start or grow a business. They also offer helpful tools and templates. Learn more at score.org/eastbay

Start Small Think Big

This group connects small business owners with volunteer experts in law, finance, and marketing—all for free. They help businesses from many backgrounds succeed. Visit startsmallthinkbig.org

Uptima Entrepreneur Cooperative

Uptima teaches creative and social entrepreneurs how to start and grow businesses. They offer classes, one-on-one advising, and a supportive community. You can find out more at uptimacoop.com

 

Visit the Neighborhood Business Assistance Center to learn about other organizations that can help you and your business.

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Accion Opportunity Fund

This group offers small loans to people who don’t get help from regular banks. They work with many types of businesses. Learn more at www.aofund.org.

Beneficial State Bank

This bank supports businesses that care about the community. They offer banking and loans for small businesses. Visit www.beneficialstatebank.com.

Community Bank of the Bay

CBB is a local bank that helps small businesses with loans and services. They focus on helping Oakland’s business community grow. Learn more at www.bankcbb.com.

Community Vision Capital & Consulting

This group gives loans and advice to businesses and nonprofits that help their neighborhoods. Visit www.communityvisionca.org.

ESO Ventures

ESO Ventures helps new business owners learn and grow. They offer programs to build skills and get funding. Visit www.eso-ventures.com.

Fondo Adelante (MEDA)

Fondo Adelante gives loans to Latino and immigrant-owned small businesses. They are part of MEDA and want to build strong communities. Visit medasf.org/fondo-adelante.

ICA

ICA helps small businesses grow fast with money and training. They work with local businesses that want to create jobs. Learn more at www.ica.fund.

Kiva

Kiva lets small businesses get tiny loans with no interest, funded by people online. It’s great for new businesses. Go to www.kiva.org to learn more.

Main Street Launch

Main Street Launch gives loans and advice to small business owners in Oakland. They focus on helping people who may not get help from regular banks. Learn more at www.mainstreetlaunch.org.

Pacific Community Ventures

This group gives fair loans and free advice to small businesses that help their community. They want local businesses to succeed. Visit www.pacificcommunityventures.org.

Runway

Runway supports Black and Brown entrepreneurs with money and coaching. They focus on closing the funding gap. Learn more at www.runway.org.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA is a federal group that helps small businesses get loans, training, and support. If you need money to start or grow your business, visit www.sba.gov to learn how they can help.

TMC Community Capital

This group offers online loans to small business owners, especially women and people of color. Learn more at www.tmccommunitycapital.org.

TMC Financing

TMC gives SBA 504 loans to help businesses buy buildings or big equipment. If you're growing and need space, visit www.tmcfinancing.com.

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank helps small businesses with loans, credit, and banking. You can learn more at www.usbank.com.

Working Solutions

This group gives small loans and coaching to new businesses. They help people who need a little money to get started. Visit www.workingsolutions.org for more info.

Other Financing Resources


Not sure where to start?

Our Neighborhood Business Assistance staff is here to help: City of Oakland Business Assistance Request Form.

 

Chinatown Community Benefit District

The Chinatown BID helps keep the neighborhood clean, safe, and active through sidewalk cleaning, safety patrols, and community events. If your business is in Chinatown, this BID can help bring in more visitors and support your storefront. To learn more, visit www.oaklandchinatownbid.org.

Downtown Oakland Community Benefit District

This BID focuses on keeping Downtown Oakland clean, welcoming, and full of energy. They offer safety services, street improvements, and business promotions. Learn how they support Downtown businesses at www.downtownoakland.org.

Jack London Improvement District

The Jack London BID works to improve the waterfront area with landscaping, security, events, and business outreach. If you have a business here, this BID helps make the area more attractive for locals and tourists. Visit www.jacklondonoakland.org to get involved.

Koreatown Northgate (KONO) BID

The KONO BID helps businesses in the Koreatown Northgate area by organizing art walks, cleaning services, and safety programs. They also promote local businesses and events. You can learn more at www.koreatownnorthgate.org.

Lake Merritt–Uptown Community Benefit District

This BID provides cleaning teams, ambassadors, and business support to the Lake Merritt and Uptown areas. They help create a safer, more inviting place for visitors and customers. Learn more about their services at www.lakemerrittuptown.org.

Lakeshore/Lake Park BID

The Lakeshore BID works on street cleaning, community marketing, and beautification projects along Lakeshore Avenue. They help businesses by improving the look and feel of the area. For more information, visit www.lakeshoreoakland.com.

Laurel Business Improvement District

This BID focuses on keeping MacArthur Boulevard in the Laurel District clean, colorful, and business-friendly. They support events, marketing, and sidewalk improvements. Learn how they support the Laurel community at www.laureloakland.com.

Temescal/Telegraph BID

The Temescal BID supports the busy Telegraph Avenue corridor with safety programs, graffiti removal, event promotion, and business support. You can visit www.temescaldistrict.org to learn about their work and how to participate.

Uptown Downtown Community Benefit District

This combined BID serves both Uptown and Downtown Oakland with cleaning crews, ambassadors, and district-wide marketing. If your business is in the city center, this BID helps draw people in. Visit www.downtownoakland.org to learn more.

Rockridge District Association (Business-Based BID)

The Rockridge BID promotes local shops and restaurants along College Avenue through events, cleaning services, and community partnerships. Business owners can learn more about this district at www.rockridgedistrict.com.

Montclair Village Association (Business-Based BID)

The Montclair BID supports village businesses with street cleaning, security patrols, and merchant marketing. This BID helps keep the Montclair shopping area beautiful and active. For more information, visit www.montclairvillage.com.

Visit Oakland – Oakland Tourism Improvement District (Tourism-Based BID)

Visit Oakland promotes Oakland as a travel destination and helps local hotels, restaurants, and attractions bring in more visitors. If your business relies on tourism, this district helps you connect with travelers. Learn more at www.visitoakland.com.


Oakland BID Alliance

The Oakland BID Alliance stands for more than 3,000 businesses and property owners. It helps BIDs learn from each other, talk with City leaders, and speak up for business areas around Oakland. The Alliance works to keep these neighborhoods clean, safe, and thriving. You can learn more at www.oaklandchamber.com.

 

 

Alameda County Latina Chamber of Commerce

The Alameda County Latina Chamber of Commerce empowers Latina entrepreneurs through business resources, advocacy, and community-building. The Chamber supports economic growth by offering networking opportunities, educational workshops, and access to capital. Learn more and get involved at www.latinachamber.com.

Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce

The Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce helps Black-owned businesses grow by offering workshops, legal help, and community events. They focus on closing economic gaps and creating opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. Learn more or become a member at www.oaacc.org.

Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

This chamber supports over 300 businesses in Oakland’s Chinatown and nearby areas. They help members with advertising, learning local rules, and staying connected in the community. You can visit www.oaklandchinatownchamber.org to see how they support Chinatown businesses.

Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce

This group connects and supports Latino-owned businesses in Oakland through advocacy, education, and networking. They offer events and programs that help business owners grow and stay connected. Visit www.oaklandlatinochamber.com for information on how to get involved.

Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is the city’s largest and oldest business group. They support businesses with networking events, updates on city policies, and special discounts. Business owners looking to grow and stay informed can visit their website at www.oaklandchamber.com to learn more and become a member.

Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce

The Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce helps Vietnamese business owners succeed through training, outreach, and support for Little Saigon and other community efforts. They are a strong voice for immigrant-owned businesses. Business owners can visit www.oaklandvnchamber.com to learn more and join.

From Sunday, April 28th to Friday, May 3rd, Oakland will celebrate Small Business Week 2024 with a variety of virtual and in-person workshops, events and other activities for small business owners and entrepreneurs - free and open to all. 

Small Business Week 2024 will feature in-person and virtual panels, workshops and resource fairs presented by partner organizations that are designed and curated by the City of Oakland Economic Development Department to provide relevant information, actionable strategies, resources and valuable connections to help Oakland businesses survive and thrive. From financial strategies, taxes and accounting, safety and security, building a digital presence, commercial lease negotiations, access to capital, transitioning from home-based or mobile business to a brick and mortar space, and beyond, the 2024 Oakland Small Business Week Schedule offers over 15 free educational workshops plus:

  • City of Oakland Small Business Resource Fair featuring representatives over a dozen City Departments on Tuesday, April 30th, 2-4pm.
  • Multi-Cultural Chamber Mixer on Wednesday, May 1st, 5-7pm.
  • 2024 Celebration of Oakland Small Businesses, an in-person reception and mixer for small businesses and our business support partners on Friday, May 3rd, 4:30-6:30pm at Geoffrey's Inner Circle in Downtown Oakland.

2024 Confirmed Workshops & Events

Partnering organizations include: Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Laurel District Association / Montclair Village Association, Oakland-East Bay Local Business Alliance, Mainstreet Launch, Oakland Don't Play Inc, Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce, Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, and The Unity Council.

Small Business Week 2023 Photos

The Business Development Division of the Economic & Workforce Development Department issued a Call for Presenters for the City of Oakland's 2024 Small Business Week. This year, we requested proposals from small businesses, non-profit partners and for profit consultants to sponsor their 2024 Small Business Week activities and workshops. We strongly encourage collaborative proposals where organizations partner together. We welcome proposals for workshops and events that are fully virtual, in-person, and those with hybrid attendance options.

The City of Oakland will be providing sponsorship support of up to $1,000 per workshop to cover expenses associated with the activity. The deadline to submit all proposals was Wednesday, February 14.

2023 Recorded Workshops & Webinars

EVENTS LIST

2024 Call for Workshop Proposals(PDF, 175KB)

Year-Round Assistance

Access City business support staff year-round via our Neighborhood Business Assistance Program with email and phone support, as well as in-person appointments available throughout Oakland.

Technical assistance workshops and one-on-one support for Immigrant micro-businesses by The Unity Council and Feed the Hunger Fund, in partnership with The City of Oakland Economic and Workforce Development staff. Services provided in three languages -- Spanish, Mam, and Vietnamese.

Sign up for Email Updates

Get notified about upcoming workshops & other business support programs.

Upcoming Workshops

EVENTS LIST

Program Details

The City of Oakland's Economic and Workforce Development Department has received the The Local Immigrant Integration and Inclusion Grant (LIIIG) of $275,000 from California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GoBiz), to build upon Oakland's leadership in equitable economic development, and provide targeted support to Oakland's micro-enterprise and small businesses, with a focus on immigrant and women owned businesses. EWDD has partnered with the Unity Council and Feed the Hunger Fund ("FTHF") to provide culturally and linguistically competent business assistance and access to capital to ensure these businesses are established and successful. With this grant funding, EWDD, The Unity Council and FTHF are building upon existing programs and small business services, and establishing a specially targeted program for immigrant start-up businesses to build a more resilient and inclusive business community in Oakland.

This grant funded program is recruiting program participants, provide technical assistance including digital literacy instruction, individual coaching, translation services, and business development workshops. This program will also convene entrepreneurs for networking and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, access to capital via low interest loans, and host quarterly networking events for new immigrant entrepreneurs. Participating entrepreneurs will be able to prototype and test their products and services, develop their skills and grow their business through retail pop-ups at Oakland events with wrap-around assistance provided by program staff to coach vendors on licensing and permitting, merchandising, payment processing, marketing and customer feedback tracking. In the next year, the program will provide $50,000 in grants from Citi Foundation to mobile food vendors, in addition to $250,000 in low interest loan capital to qualified program participants.

2024 Workshop Schedule (last Thursday of every month, 6-8pm:

  • April 25 - Bookkeeping
  • May 30 - Cocinando en Casa con licencia
  • June 27 - Social Media
  • July 25 - Credit Building/Repair
  • August 29 - Lease Negotiation
  • September 26 - Customer Service

This grant funds one fulltime Business Engagement Specialist at The Unity Council to work with the Spanish speaking and Mam population as well as a part time Senior Business Advisor to work with the Vietnamese speaking population. This program will leverage three other already existing positions, a Digital Literacy Instructor, a Business and Community Relations Manager and an Economic Development Manager.

This grant also funds one part-time Feed the Hunger Fund Business Support Loan Specialist and leverages existing highly skilled staff to conduct outreach, provide business training and Individual coaching session to program participants, and administer $160,000 in loan capital to qualified program participants. The program aims to build on the success of the Unity Council's Small Business Development Center to reach and respond to a growing demand for coaching, technical assistance and support services for emerging businesses, a key strategy to build assets and wealth amongst communities with the least access to this type of support.

Key Program Contacts

The Unity Council

Unity Council Business Services: sbservices1@unitycouncil.org; 510-535-6916

Feed the Hunger Fund

Meche: meche@feed-hunger.com. 415-533-7171

Additional City of Oakland Business Assistance