tarting and running a business can lead to a lot of headaches—and sorting through the maze of business resources and requirements can be daunting. That’s where the City of Oakland’s brand new Business Assistance Center comes in. Opened in July, the center offers a visible, easily accessible, one-stop center for businesses of all sizes and from any sector to obtain the assistance they need to operate successfully in Oakland.

    How does it work? Visitors to the Center or its website complete a short assessment to inform center staff of their needs. “The point is for us to direct them to the right place and to the right person, so they come out with what they need and can move forward with their project,” said Michael McPherson, Urban Economic Analyst and Center Project Manager.

Business Assistance Center visitors may receive:

•	Assistance on the spot. Center staff will coordinate services and provide information including simple, informative flow charts designed to address issues such as zoning, building permits and license approvals. When needed, staff may tap designated on-call experts in other City departments to clarify issues for business owners without delay.
•	Referral to the appropriate City contact. Some center visitors may require further consultation with other City departments. Center staff will expedite appointments with a designated Business Liaison in these departments, often on the same day.
•	Referral to external partners for technical assistance, training or funding opportunities. The Center has ties with over 45 nonprofit providers who offer financing, education and mentoring services specifically geared to business owners, mostly at no cost.

 

    The Center also plans to communicate with business owners via newsletters and broadcast e-mails about special events, trainings or other valuable information. “We recognize how hard it is for small businesses during these challenging economic times. This center is a useful tool for them to obtain information, navigate through the City processes and work with staff in a more efficient way,” said McPherson.

Business Assistance Center

270 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza (at Clay Street), Oakland, CA
Phone: 510-238-7952  Fax: 510-238-9105  TDD 510-238-9173
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website: www.OaklandBAC.com E-mail: mmcpherson@oaklandnet.com