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Welcome to

THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Founded more than one hundred years ago, the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce remains one of the most influential forces in local government and regional economic development. The mission of the Chamber is to secure the economic future of our community, and to enhance the quality of life in the city of Oakland.

With some 1,000 members, the Chamber is actively involved in public policy and provides valuable resources to members.

Connect

Creating dynamic events and programs to connect Chamber members and local partners.

Convene

Convening the community to bring together diverse voices that help Oakland thrive.

Communicate

Facilitating dialogue between members, residents, and the community.

Lead

Leading the East Bay in advocacy, research and data, and philanthropy.

About Oakland Chamber

The Chamber proudly offers unprecedented benefits – advocacy, research, small business and nonprofit programming, special member – to – member discounts, award-winning publications and communications platforms, and numerous opportunities to help make local businesses connect and prosper.

Join us to help make Oakland, and the metropolitan area, an even better place in which to live, work, and play.

Comcast Corporation launches nationwide program in support of BIPOC small business sustainability

The Comcast RISE Investment Fund provides monetary grants to help small businesses owned by people of color (POC) grow as they navigate the challenges of the pandemic. The Investment Fund is the latest extension of Comcast RISE (Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment), the multi-year, multi-faceted initiative launched in 2020 to provide POC-owned, small businesses the opportunity to apply for marketing and technology services from Comcast Business and Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable.

What does this mean for Oakland Small Businesses?

100 Oakland small businesses will receive a $10,000 monetary grant
Application period opens October 1, 2021 and closes October 14, 2021
Grants will be announced at the end of November and awarded in December 2021
Applications will be online at www.ComcastRISE.com

In partnership, Oakland’s five Chambers of Commerce will be hosting the following information and application programs and webinars:

Program Info Session – September 24, 2021 12:00-1:00pm (Register here)
Application Support Webinar – October 1, 2021 12:00-1:00pm (Register here)
Application Support Webinar – October 8, 2021 12:00-1:00pm (Register here)

**Application will be live on October 1st**

100 Oakland Businesses will receive direct grant awards

“The economic effects of the global pandemic have been felt worldwide including significant impacts here in Oakland. We know that our small, local, woman owned and BIPOC businesses – who are responsible for creating the beautiful tapestry we call home – have been disproportionately impacted by COVID. We applaud Comcast’s vision, thru the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, to ensure that 100 small businesses that exist today can be a part of Oakland’s economic and social fabric both tomorrow and for many years to come.” — Barbara Leslie, President & CEO, Oakland Chamber of Commerce.

Oakland is Rooted in Diversity

The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce believes diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to the economic future of our community. We see DEI as a necessary tool for enhancing the quality of life for everyone. By connecting businesses, creating opportunities to convene, and cultivating community, the Chamber is committed to lead a sustainable and equitable path for businesses.

Check out our latest polling data

Noteworthy

JPMorgan Chase’s Minority Entrepreneurship Initiative

As part of Chase’s commitment to help advance racial equity, they have launched a new program to accelerate minority small business growth in historically underserved neighborhoods.

Recent News

Oakland Metro Chamber of Commerce Presents Series on Navigating our Return to Work

Businesses of all sizes are navigating a safe and productive return to work for their employees, clients and customers. But as public health directives change, public safety concerns grow and uncertainty remains as COVID variants persist the Chamber is providing two information sessions for our members and local businesses covering everything you need know for our City's return to work.

Update on Oakland’s Encampment Management Plan

Each year, in any poll or survey homelessness is the most pressing concern on the minds of Oakland residents and voters. The Oakland Metro Chamber has been deeply engaged in fundraising and direct support of our City's unsheltered residents, as well as convener of policy leaders and community members on this issue to ensure alignment of all efforts.