Business owners can learn about contracting opportunities at Oakland matchmaking day

Around 125 local businesses large and small, along with community stakeholders and industry groups, will take part in Oakland’s first-ever business matchmaking event Wednesday, July 26, at the Oakland Main Library.

During the event, small businesses will be able to have one-on-one meetings with larger contractors and city government representatives to learn about specific contracting and subcontracting opportunities available through Oakland’s $500 million 2023-25 Capital Improvement Program.

“Oakland is home to so many diverse, highly skilled, small businesses that are eager to expand opportunities and grow generational wealth for their families,” said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao in a statement. “If Oakland is to maintain its rich cultural tapestry, we must ensure that the people that live here can afford to stay here.”

“We hope the face-to-face encounters inspire new and productive business partnerships that allow businesses to grow and thrive.”

Emylene Aspilla, Department of Workplace and Employment Standards

The business matchmaking event is part of a broader outreach plan by City Hall to engage Oakland’s most underrepresented business communities and provide access to city government contracts and the small business technical assistance they need to be competitive.

“We want to ensure the city’s small local businesses are able to expand their networks, increase their visibility, and establish their brand,” said Oakland Department of Workplace and Employment Standards Director Emylene Aspilla in a statement. “We hope the face-to-face encounters inspire new and productive business partnerships that allow businesses to grow and thrive.”

The Oakland Construction Resource Center (CRC) and Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services are holding one-on-one technical assistance meetings with participating businesses to help them prepare pitches and other relevant business information. Oakland small businesses can also access these services by visiting the CRC or Merriwether and Williams websites or calling 510-835-0400.

The matchmaking event will happen Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Main Room of the Main Oakland Library at 125 14^th St. Interested businesses and community partners can register by emailing slbe@oaklandca.gov or calling 510-238-7524.