Help Us Celebrate the Best Local Employers at the Work Local Awards!

The Work Local Awards shines the spotlight on the boutiques, cafes, nonprofits, startups, and all the local employers that make our community great.   The awards are presented by Localwise, a mission-driven organization focused on helping local businesses hire local employees. We’re proud to be listed among event partners that include the Federal Reserve Bank…

Top Three Things Businesses Can Do When Construction is Near Their Location

Karla de Leon is Main Street Launch’s Lead Business Advisor. This is part of Main Street’s business advising team’s ongoing series of best practices and tips for small business owners. Never miss a tip by signing up for our newsletter.   Oakland is booming. This means construction is everywhere. While it might not be pleasant to have…

Get to Know Robert Lattimore

Katie Taylor, Main Street’s Assistant Vice President – Communications, interviews Robert Lattimore, Senior Vice President. Robert has over 35 years of experience in the public, private, and economic development sectors. His experience includes working with company founders, financial institutions, community based organizations, and local municipalities. Robert has helped over 200 entrepreneurs in diverse business sectors. Click…

We changed our name!

After going through a comprehensive and thoughtful rebranding process, OBDC Small Business Finance changed our name to Main Street Launch. Main Street Launch will continue innovating at the intersection of small business and community economic development, pursuing strategies that leverage our small business expertise and capital as a catalyst for an inclusive and diverse local…