In 2015, The City of Oakland and Main Street Launch (formerly OBDC) partnered to launch the Oakland Business Sustainability Program. The Oakland Business Sustainability Program offers a comprehensive, integrated mix of services to support businesses along the East Bay Bus Rapid Transit Route. The technical assistance part of the Oakland Business Sustainability Program is provided by Main Street Launch. It includes free one-on-one business consulting and workshops to help small business develop growth strategies before, during, and after BRT construction.
We are thrilled to share more about our East Oakland clients, beginning Milagros de Mexico. Here’s an excerpt from the full profile:
Mauricio Simbeck was inspired to open Milagros de Mexico, a health and wellness retain chain, because of his desire to bring resources to an underserved community in Oakland. Now his store sits at 33rd Avenue and International Boulevard in Oakland and specializes in the underserved Latino population. In addition to retail, Milagros de Mexico houses a clinic, offering same-day and walk-in appointments to the community. “As a result of working with Main Street Launch, we improved the messaging and content of our monthly circular, we improved our website SEO, and improved our Facebook content,” says Mauricio. “The ideas that we got from Main Street Launch were realistic and not difficult to execute. Our experience with Main Street was extremely professional.”
More about BRT:
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a new bus system that employs a combination of innovative technologies to creat a safter, faster, and more reliable transit system. BRT will include 38 new stations that will feature off-board fare collection, weather protection, security lighting and cameras, and public art.
The 9.5 mile BRT Route extends from the BART station at 19th and Broadway in Oakland, continues along International Boulevard, and ends at the San Leandro BART station.
The BRT project will also:
- Renew the roadway
- Install new traffic signals and street lights
- Increase pedestrian access and safety
- Promote better bicycle movement
Together, these features will contribute to a healthier business climate and more liveable communities.
