Business Resources
Access capital, coaching, and community to start and grow your business
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Browse Resources
Filter by category, or browse all resources organized below.
Access to Capital
(5)U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Funding / Federal ResourcesProvides loans, grants, certifications, and business guidance for small businesses, including programs for underserved entrepreneurs.
TMC Community Capital
Microloans / Inclusive CapitalProvides small-dollar loans to women and entrepreneurs of color, helping businesses access capital often unavailable through traditional banks.
Working Solutions
Microloans + CoachingOffers microloans, grants, and business coaching for entrepreneurs, especially those with limited access to capital.
Kiva
Crowdfunding / 0% LoansProvides interest-free microloans funded by the public, ideal for early-stage businesses building credit and traction.
Centro Community Partners
Training / Coaching / CapitalProvides entrepreneurship education, coaching, and microloans, focused on low- to moderate-income founders.
Business Advising
(2)Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Business Advising / Technical AssistanceProvides free 1:1 business advising, workshops, and access to capital for startups and growing businesses. Covers marketing, finance, HR, and scaling strategies.
ICA Fund Good Jobs
Accelerator / Scaling BusinessesHelps businesses grow, scale, and create quality jobs through advising, training, and investment support.
Mentorship
(2)SCORE
Mentorship / CoachingOffers free mentorship from experienced business leaders, plus workshops and templates to help entrepreneurs start and grow sustainably.
Working Solutions
Microloans + CoachingOffers microloans, grants, and business coaching for entrepreneurs, especially those with limited access to capital.
Government Programs
(4)U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Funding / Federal ResourcesProvides loans, grants, certifications, and business guidance for small businesses, including programs for underserved entrepreneurs.
City of Oakland Economic & Workforce Development
Local Government / Business SupportProvides permits, certifications, grants, and business assistance programs, including support for small and local businesses.
Alameda County Workforce Development Board
Workforce + Business ServicesSupports businesses with hiring, training programs, and workforce funding, while connecting residents to employment opportunities.
Small Business Majority
Advocacy / Policy / EducationAdvocates for small businesses through policy, research, and education, with a focus on equitable access to resources.
Startups & Training
(4)Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Business Advising / Technical AssistanceProvides free 1:1 business advising, workshops, and access to capital for startups and growing businesses. Covers marketing, finance, HR, and scaling strategies.
Centro Community Partners
Training / Coaching / CapitalProvides entrepreneurship education, coaching, and microloans, focused on low- to moderate-income founders.
ICA Fund Good Jobs
Accelerator / Scaling BusinessesHelps businesses grow, scale, and create quality jobs through advising, training, and investment support.
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
Training / Small Business DevelopmentOffers training, coaching, and support programs for diverse entrepreneurs to launch and sustain businesses.
Community & Chambers
(6)Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce
Chamber / Black Business SupportSupports Black-owned businesses through advocacy, networking, workshops, and access to resources aimed at closing economic gaps.
Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce
Chamber / Latino Business SupportProvides business education, advocacy, and networking to support Latino entrepreneurs and strengthen economic participation.
Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Chamber / Business AdvocacyAdvocates for businesses and offers policy updates, networking, and economic development programs across Oakland.
JustBE
Community / Creator EcosystemA platform focused on community-building, collaboration, and visibility for entrepreneurs and creatives.
Herrolo
Community / Women EntrepreneursA community platform empowering women entrepreneurs to connect, grow, and build their businesses together.
Small Business Majority
Advocacy / Policy / EducationAdvocates for small businesses through policy, research, and education, with a focus on equitable access to resources.