Key Takeaways from the OMCC Small Business Survey
Public Safety is a Top Economic Priority
- Safe, well-lit commercial corridors are essential for business success and community vitality
Marketing & Amplification Support
- Effective outreach, both digital and physical, is crucial for the sustainability and growth of small businesses.
Foot Traffic Drives Brick-and-Mortar Sustainability
- Local retailers depend on visible, confident visitor flows through their neighborhoods to stay open and thrive.
Connection Builds Resilience
- Small businesses want stronger ties with each other, with their communities, and with organizations that amplify their voices.
Chamber Initiatives to Strengthen Oakland’s Small Businesses
Based on direct feedback, the Chamber is doubling down on the following impactful strategies to address the priorities expressed by our small business community:
Responsible Advocacy
- Continuing to successfully lobby for public safety technology upgrades and municipal budget allocations targeting small business relief
- Supporting the Oakland Restaurant Collective as a catalyst for commercial corridor activations
- Actively championing enhanced public safety resources, building on our successful support of Measure NN (approved by voters in 2024) to expand emergency response and infrastructure funding
Digital Equity & Marketing Engagement
- Launching a Slack hub to centralize member communication, driven by 72% of members requesting a centralized platform
- Featuring small business initiatives via digital billboard and IKE kiosk campaigns
- Increasing marketing for over 20 small businesses weekly with our “New Member Monday” email to 7,000+ subscribers
- Developing tailored training programs to meet pressing business needs, such as AI readiness, identified as a priority by 51% of respondents
Expanding Economic Opportunities
- Offering free vending booths through the Subsidized Booth Program at major Oakland events, engaging over 85 businesses with 55 actively participating
- Executing the second annual “Joy to the Town” Chamber/City-curated activation aimed at boosting sales and providing opportunities for small businesses, with 75% of participants from East Oakland in the inaugural year
Despite ongoing challenges, a significant majority of our small business owners remain committed to Oakland, with over 65% of survey respondents choosing to invest in the city’s economic ecosystem and valuing its distinctive character and community ties.
Given this commitment, the Chamber remains steadfast in its advocacy, resource support, and community-building efforts to help small businesses flourish. If you’d like support, from marketing to networking, advocacy, or event opportunities, please get in touch with Oliver Guiterrez, Small Business and Workforce Manager.
