170 Oakland small businesses receive grants totaling $2.2M to stay and thrive

Over a hundred small businesses in Oakland are receiving thousands of dollars to help them stay in the city and grow.

In a recent initiative to bolster small businesses in Oakland, the East Bay Community Foundation awarded $2.2 million in grants to 170 local enterprises. These grants, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, aim to support businesses recovering from the economic impacts of the pandemic, with a focus on promoting racial, gender, and geographic equity in underserved neighborhoods such as East Oakland, West Oakland, Fruitvale, and Eastlake.

Cristy Johnston-Limón, Deputy Director of Oakland’s Economic and Workforce Development Department, played a pivotal role in this effort. A Class of 2009 San Francisco LeaderSpring Alum, Johnston-Limón emphasized the importance of these grants in retaining and attracting businesses to Oakland, especially amid the city's significant budget deficit. She noted the overwhelming demand for such support, with the initial funds being allocated within five months, and highlighted ongoing efforts to raise additional funds to expand the program beyond Oakland.

Learn more about Oakland’s Economic Workforce Development Department: https://www.oaklandca.gov/departments/economic-and-workforce-development