Capacity Building Training for Small Business Owners
MICRO-ENTERPRISE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (META)
Focused on helping small business owners improve and sustain their business! Are you a merchant located within District 6 and could use some advice to help achieve optimum operating and business development goals?
Our Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program Lead Brian McKeown graduated from San Francisco State University in 2000 with a B.S. in Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management. Brian studied microfinance at Grameen Bank in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2008 and he is a former microfinance program director for Kiva representing the city of Oakland, California (2015-2018). Brian and his small team built the largest Kiva program in America assisting 600+ small business entrepreneurs with crowdfunding more than $2.4 million dollars of interest-free capital. Brian is a former Economic Development Commissioner for the city of Richmond, CA (2015-2017) and a current Loan Fund Board member (2017-current). Brian is a former nightclub owner and food entrepreneur.
OCCUR is offering a FREE six-part workshop series covering important business topics:
- Vision & Mission Planning
- Target Marketing
- Budget Creation & Management
- Consumer Needs Analysis
- Competitor SWOT Analysis
- How to Determine Product & Service Value
We will also be offering at least six 90-minute one-on-one individualized technical assistance sessions over the months ahead in which entrepreneurs will obtain advice and direction on how to enhance long-term growth potential and analyze business needs.
OCCUR’s Micro-Enterprise Assistance program is funded by the City of Oakland Department of Housing and Community Development -Community Development Block Grant Division.
OCCUR's Mini-Grant (OMG) Application
OCCUR's Mini-Grants offer supplemental support to Oakland-based small business owners, faith-based and nonprofit organizations.
Shop and Support
Oakland's Small Black Businesses
Oakland is home to charming Black owned shops nestled within culture filled neighborhoods providing a wide variety of retail and vibrant business activity.
Quality Products and Services
Consumers can expect a feast for fashinistas and hair-design devotees with many quaint eateries and small retail businesses geared to serve the surrounding communities. Home improvement and antique enthusiasts will also find everything needed for even the most unusual projects