Two years ago, the husband-and-wife team, Richard and Mercedes, first thought about opening a family-friendly bar & restaurant. They fell in love with Oakland’s Laurel District, where Degrees Plato now operates, and they feel fortunate for their great neighbors and a supportive community. Now, Degrees Plato has 18 employees, and Richard and Mercedes see their…
Bar Shiru is a hi-fi vinyl listening music bar in Oakland, and the first of its kind in the Bay Area. It was founded by business partners Shirin Raza and Daniel Gahr, who also happen to be wife and husband. Shirin and Dan met in 2008 while working at Current TV. Both of them were…
Sequoia CrossFit is a comprehensive strength and conditioning facility founded by Matt Andus. His studio offers small group trainings and individualized attention designed to assist people attain their fitness goals. For Matt, the most fulfilling aspect of his work is when he can show someone that they can do something with their body that they…
Our partner The Flight Deck, a black box theater in the Heart of Downtown Oakland, has created new offerings for businesses like yours: they are inviting you to use their unique space by hosting team off-sites, large group meetings, and parties. Are you in need of a space for your next large meeting? If so,…
At the end of 2013, three entrepreneurs opened Manifesta. The entrepreneurs, Lindsay Barnhardt, K.C. Lutes, and Mireya Albarra, knew that they wanted to open a hair salon, but they also wanted to serve the community.
Main Street Launch is celebrating 40 years of supporting entrepreneurs. Founded in Oakland in 1979, Main Street Launch has grown and changed over the last 40 years, learning from our communities about their needs and adapting with new programs and services. We are excited to celebrate our 40th anniversary throughout 2019. Check back to…
Aburaya is a restaurant inspired by punk rock and a mission to provide affordable Japanese cuisine, such as the fried chicken and more to the local community. Originally, Aburaya started as a pop-up, but settled in a more permanent location on Oakland’s 17th St after popular demand for the chicken and other dishes. They are…
Growing up, David Benton, the owner of Sugarsweet Cookie and Cake Studio, was not exposed to baking. He went on to California Culinary School to become a chef. During his studies there, he took an introductory baking class and immediately fell in love with it. After the 2008 recession, he lost his job and started…
Nido opened on Oak Street in Oakland, and since then, more small businesses have opened in the Jack London Square area. When you visit their space, you get great cocktails, incredible plates of food, and a welcoming and fun ambiance. “Cory McCollow and his wife Silvia used their loan to open the doors to…
The majority of people who live and work in Oakland and San Francisco work for small companies and organizations. It’s important as we get closer to a big shopping season to make active choices about where you put your dollars. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, but they also invest heavily…