\n
\n
\n
\n
![\"Small](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/small-business-week-2026.png\")
<\/p>\nPublished on May 01, 2026<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Oakland, CA\u00a0\u2013 The City of Oakland\u2019s Economic & Workforce Development Department announces\u00a0Oakland Small Business Week 2026, running\u00a0Sunday, May 3 through Saturday, May 9. This year\u2019s theme \u2014\u00a0This Is Town Business\u00a0\u2014 is a direct nod to the small businesses that define Oakland\u2019s neighborhoods and drive its economy every day.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The week brings together a full lineup of free workshops, panels, and networking events for business owners and entrepreneurs at every stage,\u00a0whether\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0just getting started, ready to grow, or looking to connect with the people and resources that can help you do both.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOur small businesses are the heartbeat of Oakland, and this Small Business Week, we celebrate the entrepreneurs who create jobs, build community, and bring life to our neighborhoods. With their leadership and resilience, Oakland is on the move.”\u00a0\u2014\u00a0Oakland\u00a0Mayor Barbara Lee\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Free Workshops, Powered by\u00a0East Bay Small Business Development Center\u00a0<\/p>\n
In partnership with the East Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the City of Oakland is offering seven free virtual workshops throughout the week, covering the topics business owners say matter most:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nBusiness Planning & Start-Up\u00a0\u2014 Monday, May 4, 10:00\u201311:30 a.m.\u00a0
\nIs Your Business AI Ready?\u00a0\u2014 Monday, May 4, 2:00\u20133:30 p.m.\u00a0
\nStarting Your Business II\u00a0\u2014 permits, structures, licenses \u2014 Tuesday, May 5, 10:00\u201311:30 a.m.\u00a0
\nHow to Get Funding to Start, Grow, and Expand\u00a0\u2014 Tuesday, May 5, 2:00\u20133:30 p.m.\u00a0
\nFunding Your Restaurant Dream\u00a0\u2014 Thursday, May 7, 12:00\u20131:30 p.m.\u00a0
\nMarketing Your Restaurant Using\u00a0Social Media\u00a0\u2014 Thursday, May 7, 2:00\u20133:30 p.m.\u00a0
\nAI for Marketing\u00a0\u2014 Friday, May 8, 12:00\u20131:30 p.m.\u00a0
<\/p>\n
All workshops are free and held via Zoom. Registration is open now at\u00a0eastbaysbdc.org\/2026-oakland-sbweek-workshops<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Multi-Ethnic Chambers Mixer\u00a0<\/p>\n On Wednesday, May 7, Oakland\u2019s multi-ethnic chambers of commerce will host a\u00a0free\u00a0networking mixer at Scott\u2019s Seafood from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for business owners to meet peers, exchange contacts, and learn about the organizations working on their behalf across Oakland\u2019s diverse business communities. Register at\u00a0business.oaklandchamber.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Kicking Off the Week: \u201cThis Is Town Business\u201d Billboard Campaign\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n “This Is Town Business” billboard campaign launches on Tuesday, May 5.\u00a0The campaign puts Oakland\u2019s small businesses front and center \u2014 literally \u2014 with a public celebration of the people behind the storefronts, restaurants, and service businesses that make this city what it is.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n About Oakland Small Business Week\u00a0<\/p>\n Oakland Small Business Week is an annual celebration presented by the City of Oakland\u2019s Economic & Workforce Development Department. The week spotlights the contributions of Oakland\u2019s small business community and connects owners with tools, resources, and networks to help their businesses thrive.\u00a0<\/p>\n