Oakland Celebrates Small Business Week May 3–9
Published on May 01, 2026
Oakland, CA – The City of Oakland’s Economic & Workforce Development Department announces Oakland Small Business Week 2026, running Sunday, May 3 through Saturday, May 9. This year’s theme — This Is Town Business — is a direct nod to the small businesses that define Oakland’s neighborhoods and drive its economy every day.
The week brings together a full lineup of free workshops, panels, and networking events for business owners and entrepreneurs at every stage, whether you’re just getting started, ready to grow, or looking to connect with the people and resources that can help you do both.
“Our small businesses are the heartbeat of Oakland, and this Small Business Week, we celebrate the entrepreneurs who create jobs, build community, and bring life to our neighborhoods. With their leadership and resilience, Oakland is on the move." — Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee
Free Workshops, Powered by East Bay Small Business Development Center
In partnership with the East Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the City of Oakland is offering seven free virtual workshops throughout the week, covering the topics business owners say matter most:
- Business Planning & Start-Up — Monday, May 4, 10:00–11:30 a.m.
- Is Your Business AI Ready? — Monday, May 4, 2:00–3:30 p.m.
- Starting Your Business II — permits, structures, licenses — Tuesday, May 5, 10:00–11:30 a.m.
- How to Get Funding to Start, Grow, and Expand — Tuesday, May 5, 2:00–3:30 p.m.
- Funding Your Restaurant Dream — Thursday, May 7, 12:00–1:30 p.m.
- Marketing Your Restaurant Using Social Media — Thursday, May 7, 2:00–3:30 p.m.
- AI for Marketing — Friday, May 8, 12:00–1:30 p.m.
All workshops are free and held via Zoom. Registration is open now at eastbaysbdc.org/2026-oakland-sbweek-workshops.
Multi-Ethnic Chambers Mixer
On Wednesday, May 7, Oakland’s multi-ethnic chambers of commerce will host a free networking mixer at Scott’s Seafood from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for business owners to meet peers, exchange contacts, and learn about the organizations working on their behalf across Oakland’s diverse business communities. Register at business.oaklandchamber.com.
Kicking Off the Week: “This Is Town Business” Billboard Campaign
"This Is Town Business" billboard campaign launches on Tuesday, May 5. The campaign puts Oakland’s small businesses front and center — literally — with a public celebration of the people behind the storefronts, restaurants, and service businesses that make this city what it is.
About Oakland Small Business Week
Oakland Small Business Week is an annual celebration presented by the City of Oakland’s Economic & Workforce Development Department. The week spotlights the contributions of Oakland’s small business community and connects owners with tools, resources, and networks to help their businesses thrive.
For the full schedule and registration links, visit oaklandca.gov/Business/For-Business-Owners/Business-Resources/Small-Business-Week.
About East Bay Small Business Development Center
The East Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC), hosted by Cal State East Bay, provides free, confidential advising and training to small businesses throughout Alameda County. East Bay SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.
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