The city of Oakland values its small business community and is attempting to provide services to assist them with loans, employment, beautification and tax credits.

There are three major programs that are available through the Business Assistance Center in the form of Enterprise Zone, Tenant Improvement Program and the Workforce Investment Board.

Enterprise Zones are dedicated areas in Oakland that offer businesses tax credits for hiring , purchasing equipment and fighting depreciation. The purpose of the program is to stimulate economic growth in underrepresented areas and is one of the biggest Enterprise Zones in the state. The zone encompasses West Oakland, downtown and East Oakland. A business can find out if they are eligible by applying through EZ Oakland.

The Tenant Improvement Program is a program in which the city will participate in the beautification of a business. It includes a Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program, a Tenant Improvement Grant and microloans through the Oakland Business Development Corporation. The microloans are available for amounts ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. If a façade needs repainting, replacing, window treatments or other needs, the city will do what is called a “match grant” of up to 50 percent for eligible businesses. For tenants that are renting in targeted areas, the city has additional grants of up to $5,000 for improvements that also cover the interior of the establishment. This program also attempts to help merchant associations form using the Merchant Association Assistance Program, to help them organize and maintain a good relationship with the city.

The Workforce Investment Board offers incentives to Oakland’s small businesses that hire disadvantaged workers, workers who have recently completed training and helps fill employment gaps. They strive to provide well trained individuals from the community to businesses that need employees. Oakland is focusing on target areas the target areas of downtown, East and West Oakland to improve economic development. All businesses are encouraged to apply, but certain programs are for specific areas like the Enterprise Zone.

The purpose of the Oakland Business Assistance Center is to help business negotiate through the bureaucracy and red tape of the city. The center located downtown and is supposed to be a one-stop shop for all of your businesses needs and the staff can assist you with the information and advice you need.

All of these programs - as well other grants, information and classes - can be found at the Oakland Business Assistance Center located at 270 Frank Ogawa Plaza. You may also call its office at (510) 238-7952 or request help online.