The City of Oakland will mark the start of NSBW. Several Oakland small businesses that have thrived in Oakland for more than 25 years will be recognized for their contributions to and invest in our city. Mayor Schaaf will provide remarks. The reception will also mark the City of Oakland’s 163rd birthday.
The Small Business Conference will feature a Small Business Expo, 50 free workshops for Small Business owners and a
networking mixer at the end of the event! These sessions are free and available to all.
Members of the Oakland City Council will present congratulatory proclamations honoring small businesses from their respective districts. At the start of the meeting, each honoree will be introduced by their nominating Councilmember and receive a proclamation. In addition, the City Council will be asked to approve a Resolution declaring May 4-8 as Oakland Small Business Week. The Council presentations will be broadcast live on KTOP TV-10 and streamed live at www.oaklandnet.com.
The day-long event will consist of a series of workshops and classes for Makers ranging from marketing to financing. The focus will be on manufacturers that need assistance with building or expanding their business operations. Presented in partnership with the Oakland Makers Group, a consortium of Oakland businesses and key technical assistance groups. R.S.V.P. to Margot Prado at mprado@oaklandnet.com.
This breakfast meeting will promote retail development in Oakland, focusing on recent or upcoming national or local retailer developments. Come learn about retail investment and development opportunities. Presented in partnership with the Airport Area Business Association. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.eventbrite.com/e/oakland-retail-forum-2015-tickets-16189018791.
This free business financing workshop will cover lender requirements as well as various financing options including conventional loans, SBA Loan Programs, crowd funding and other alternative financing to help businesses launch or expand. Small business lenders and alternative capital lenders will be onsite. Resource fair participants will have information in English, Spanish and Mandarin. The resource fair will feature over 20 lenders and business technical assistance providers to assist Oakland businesses to succeed. Presented in partnership with the Alameda County SBDC. For more information, contact the Alameda County SBDC at (510) 208-0410. To register, visit http://nc.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=25459.
This free business financing workshop will cover lender requirements as well as various financing options including conventional loans, SBA Loan Programs, crowd funding and other alternative financing to help businesses launch or expand. Small business lenders and alternative capital lenders will be onsite. Resource fair participants will have information in English, Spanish and Mandarin. The resource fair will feature over 20 lenders and business technical assistance providers to assist Oakland businesses to succeed. Presented in partnership with the Alameda County SBDC. For more information, contact the Alameda County SBDC at (510) 208-0410. To register, visit http://nc.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=25459.
Doing business in Oakland is easier than ever with the City of Oakland’s Economic & Workforce Development Department, State of California and other community partners offering a wide range of services to help you save money and your business thrive. Learn from the experts about basic payroll tax, incentives, tax credits, recruitment and hiring resources, and employer subsidies for on-the-job training. For more information, contact Susana Villarreal at svillarreal@oaklandnet.com.
This seminar uses hands-on exercises and group discussions to help you expand your customer base. It will explain techniques appropriate for both existing and new businesses, and for both service and “brick and mortar” businesses. In this seminar, you will learn techniques that help you define your customers, find your customers and engage with them in an effective manner. Presented in partnership with the Alameda County SBDC. To register, visit http://acsbdc.org/node/20620.