Oakland Small Business Resources
Starting and running a small business requires resources. There are businesses, government groups, and nonprofits ready to help you.
We’ve compiled a list of Oakland small business resources and created tools and guides to help you operate a successful business in California.
Starting a business? Get access to small business resources and support when you start an LLC with Northwest ($29 + State Fees).
Local Resources for Small Business in Oakland
Using local resources can make a big difference. Here are some of the best local resources for small businesses in Oakland.
To get more California business resources, visit our California Small Business Resources guide.
San Francisco SBDC
Overview
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Contact Information
Office Address:
1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Pl.
Room 140,
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone Number: 415-937-7232
Social Media:
TRUiC Business Resources
AnewAmerica Community Corporation
Overview
Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available.
Restrictions
The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.
Contact Information
Office Address:
1470 Fruitvale Avenue
Oakland, CA 94601
Phone Number: 510-532-5240
Email: ivalerio@anewamerica.org
Social Media:
Inner City Advisors
Overview
This organization works to promote small business growth through a network of professionals willing to share time and resources to grow the community. Startups apply through an online form, and, once accepted gain access to educational classes and advising.
Contact Information
Office Address:
2044 Franklin St.,
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone Number: 510-271-0142
Email: info@ica.fund
Social Media:
SCORE East Bay
Overview
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Oakland Public Library
Overview
The Oakland Public Library is a great free resource for entrepreneurs, offering a myriad of print resources and online services. Lawyers with free consulting hours are available at the library as well. The online business center aggregates links to local government codes and policies pertaining to someone starting a small business and displays them in one convenient place.
Restrictions
A library card may be required to access certain services.
Contact Information
Office Address:
125 14th Street
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone Number: 510-238-3134
Social Media:
Oakstop
Overview
Oakstop is an artistic coworking space in the heart of downtown Oakland, offering a unique emphasis on art to spur creativity. An art gallery hosts rotating art exhibits from local and non-local artists and an event space is open to rent. Workshops are held throughout the week, including weekends and evenings, are hosted by local experts and are designed to provide actionable information on entrepreneurial topics.
Contact Information
Office Address:
1721 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone Number: 510-698-9370
Email: info@oakstop.com
Social Media:
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
Overview
The Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center was launched in 1985 as a way to provide business planning classes to very low to moderate income individuals. Today, REC offers business planning, co-working space, a women’s business center, and provides scholarships to participants so that low-income participants can enroll in classes.
Contact Information
Office Address:
1500 MacDonald Avenue
Richmond, CA 94801
Phone Number: 510-619-8668
Email: info@rencenter.org
Social Media:
