Meet our Borrowers: The Octopus Literary Salon
The Octopus is truly unique – where else can you find coffee, beer, food, and books?
OBDC receives PRIME award to support veterans with technology
Today, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that OBDC Small Business Finance, a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) headquartered in Oakland, received a $150,000 award from the SBA’s Program for Investment in Micro-Entrepreneurs (PRIME).
Meet our Borrowers: Back to the Roots
Back to the Roots is working to “undo food”, leading a new wave of food that demands total transparency about ingredient sources and the content of what’s on the table.
We are Opening Our Doors for You!
We are honored to have been chosen as an Oakland NewCo. We’ll be hosting a 1-hour session right INSIDE our offices at 1:30pm on Thursday, October 8. Come hear Adrian Gomez Zavala and Scott Lewis discuss the critical importance of small businesses for our local economies and get a chance to meet with a few of OBDC’s clients who are creating jobs and helping to transform Oakland.
Free Business Plan Template
If you’re thinking about starting a business or if you’re currently operating a business without a business plan or strategic plan, here’s a free business plan template to get you started.
Meet our Borrowers: Noble Brewer
Noble Brewer celebrates the stories of homebrewers and gives them a platform to showcase their creativity and their stories. Here is an excerpt from our interview with Claude Burns, owner of Noble Brewer:
OBDC client Mark Ryan recounts their first year
One of our clients Mark Ryan Fine Art Services recently reflected on their first year and what’s to come in a newsletter. In their shared workspace in Oakland, their team works to build beautiful, custom framing and mounting for each client.
Meet our Borrowers: Las Marianas Restaurante
Rosa Martin fulfilled her lifelong dream of owning her own restaurant in 2013 when she purchased 3731 International Boulevard in Oakland. When she wanted to update the inside of her business and figure out how to pay down the credit card debt she accrued to launch her business, she came to OBDC. Here’s an excerpt from our interview with Rosa:
Understanding Your Business Financials
Most lenders require updated business financials when an application is submitted, but your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement offer an insight into your business performance that may allow you to more quickly adapt to potential challenges and leverage new opportunities.
Meet our Borrowers: Laurel Book Store
In 2014, long-time client Laurel Book Store moved to downtown Oakland. We’re thrilled that this business found a great location just across from City Hall in Frank Ogawa Plaza.