This grant keeps small businesses open, but more funds are needed

"The pandemic pummeled Oakland's small businesses. Some closed. Others recovered, but were punched again and again - with slow-to-recover business, an uncertain economy and rising costs along with break-ins, shattered windows, and graffiti. To help these businesses hang on, the East Bay Community Foundation partnered with the Oakland Economic and Workforce Development Department to create a grant program. The program was funded with $2.5 million from Kaiser Permanente, and is now looking to raise more funding."

""It was important for us to provide a bit of relief in this crisis because we know small businesses are the heart of Oakland," said Sabrina Wu, senior program officer for the foundation. The nonprofit works to build community and advance social, racial and economic justice in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. "We want to make sure we are investing in the legacy businesses that made Oakland what it is," Wu said. One of those businesses was Towne Cycles, the only full-service bike shop in West Oakland."

"David Boone has run the shop since 2014, and moved it to Adeline Street in 2022. He began repairing flats and building custom bikes with used parts, and ended up helping create a pedal-powered community. But the new space had a lot of problems, including broken windows and leaks. Boone didn't have the money for repairs. Even worse, he just couldn't afford to shut down the shop long enough to do the work. The grant from the Oakland small business resilience fund made the work possible."

Oakland small businesses faced repeated setbacks from the pandemic, slow recovery, economic uncertainty, rising costs, and vandalism. The East Bay Community Foundation partnered with the Oakland Economic and Workforce Development Department to create a grant program funded with $2.5 million from Kaiser Permanente and is seeking additional funding. Grants provided repairs and relief, enabling businesses to stay open. Towne Cycles, the only full-service bike shop in West Oakland, used grant funds to fix broken windows, leaks, and continue operations. Small and micro enterprises make up 90% of Oakland establishments. Small businesses create jobs, neighborhood vibrancy, and community involvement.

Read at The Oaklandside