Small Business Week

From April 30th to May 6th, 2023, Oakland will celebrate Small Business Week with a variety of virtual and in-person workshops, events and other activities for small business owners and entrepreneurs - free and open to all.

Small Business Week Image

Posted: April 16th, 2021 4:39 PM

Last Updated: April 26th, 2023 5:38 PM

Small Business Week 2023 features in-person and virtual panels, workshops and resource fairs presented by partner organizations that are designed and curated by the City of Oakland Economic Development Department to provide relevant information, actionable strategies, resources and valuable connections to help Oakland businesses survive and thrive. From financial strategies, digital promotion, developing a successful loan pitch, to commercial lease negotiation for tenants and beyond, the 2023 Oakland Small Business Week Schedule offers a diversity of educational programming -- all free and open to all! Select workshops will be offered in Spanish, and others with interpretation in Cantonese, Vietnamese and Spanish translation.


The Celebration of Oakland Small Businesses, an in-person reception and mixer for small businesses and our partner business support organizations is back for the first time since 2019! Join us on Friday, May 5th, 3:30-5pm at Everett & Jones Barbeque for an afternoon of networking and celebration.

Partnering organizations include Alliance for Community Development, Oakland Black Business Fund, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce, Oakland Metro Chamber of Commerce, Real People's Fund, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, The Unity Council and Waste Management.

2023 Confirmed Workshops & Events

New this year: Business Development staff are partnering with other City Departments to offer workshops on Business Taxes, Permitting, Increasing Safety, Parking and more to provide tips on how to navigate city processes and key information on required permits and registrations to operate a business in Oakland. From April 30th to May 6th, join us in celebrating Oakland Small Business Week 2023!

Over the last five years, the Business Development Division of the Economic & Workforce Development Department has worked with other City departments and our business service provider non-profit organization partners to host over 150 workshops and seminars that have been attended by over 1,000 participants. Every year, we continue to refine the program to celebrate small businesses and offer a variety of workshops to serve our entrepreneurial community.

Year-Round Assistance

Access City business support staff year-round at 7 Neighborhood Business Assistance locations throughout Oakland.

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Contact Us

Juno Thomas
(510) 238-7952
jthomas@oaklandca.gov