The City of Oakland is hosting its 2024 Small Business Week from April 28 to May 3. This event, organized by the city’s Economic and Workforce Development Department, is aimed at helping small business owners and entrepreneurs acquire new skills and network with other merchants. The week will feature 15 free workshops, panel discussions, and other events – both in-person and virtual – covering a variety of topics such as how small businesses can leverage artificial intelligence, tax incentive programs, loans, and commercial corridor activation strategies.
Some of the sessions will focus on security and safety tips for small businesses, securing capital for entrepreneurs, and enhancing online and social media presence for businesses. A comprehensive list of all events can be found on the Small Business Week website. This event has been made possible through collaborations with a dozen organizations, including Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Oakland Don’t Play Inc., The Unity Council, and various chambers of commerce.
Roselyn Romero has curated the content for this year’s Small Business Week as part of her 2023-24 Poynter-Koch Media and Journalism Fellowship covering small businesses for The Oaklandside. Roselyn brings extensive experience in investigative journalism to the role having previously worked as an investigative intern at NBC Bay Area
