West Oakland Works


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Introduction

The City of Oakland’s Business Development Services assists in establishing, locating, expanding and
growing businesses. The office is able to customize location searches for clients, makes referrals for
financial resources, guides businesses on the types of permits they may need from the City, and inform
businesses about City programs that may help them grow and expand.

Ten Step Program

See also Getting Started and download this helpful pdf
● Evaluate your needs and determine your location
● Create a Business Plan
● Check Zoning Regulations
● Decide on a Business Structure (Sole Owner, Partnership etc)
● Register a Fictitious Name Statement. Search for duplications of the name and then record through a
local newspaper (Oakland Globe, Oakland Post etc)
● Get a Business Tax Certificate (license) (City)
● Obtain important permits (City, County Environmental Health, State, Federal)
● Get Employment Identification Number (State)
● Get a Resale License (State)
● Open a checking account for your business
● Recruit & train employees

Zoning & Building Permits

Every business must find out whether the location has the proper zoning for their activity. A Zoning Clearance-
is required for every business as part of its Business Tax Certificate (license). In some cases additional
permits may be required (Conditional Use Permit) or Design Review for building alternations in
addition to Building Permits. A Fire Department review of a businesses activities is required if using processing
or storing chemicals, and the business is located within 300 feet of a residential zone. Both may
be obtained by a visit to 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza (2nd and 3rd floors). Planning Dept.

Green Building Resource Center

While getting your Zoning Clearance, Permits or Business License, stop by 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza
Second Floor Green Building and Business Resource Center for helpful information and referrals to the
latest techniques for energy efficiency. You may also learn about Brownfield site loans and grants at the
Center, or call the Brownfields Hotline at 238-3741 to request a free copy of the Oakland Brownfields
Resource Guide. For your businesses recycling needs, look to the Alameda County Waste Management
Authority at www.stopwaste.org, The City does not run commercial recycling programs, but can provide
guidance. See (Oakland Net)

Business License

A Business Tax Certificate (license) is required for any business conducted in Oakland, including
contractors doing work on any structures in Oakland, home occupations, and anyone deriving income
from self-employment within Oakland. Visit the first floor of 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza for an application.

Location Assistance

City staff can generate customized reports for clients using a commercial database with the latest
information on properties available for lease or sale, whether or not a client has already selected a
broker. Staff , also provide up to date information about City projects and improvements in various
business districts, and contacts for merchant or business improvement districts.

Financial Incentives

Businesses may contact city staff (Business Development Services) for an overview of the types
of incentives the City may offer, including Enterprise Zone Tax Credits , Facade and Tenant
Improvement Programs. You may also look to website for City Redevelopment Districts
(Oakland Net.)

Job Training

The City does not do direct job placement, but can provide referrals to groups that do, including
East Bay Works (Eastbay Works) and the Oakland Private Industry Council (Council).
The Oakland Workforce Board, providing pre-screening, interviews and other services is in transition
but will be available through the www.business2oakland.com website. Resources for entrepreneurs are
available through the Oakland Adult Education (Oakland Adult Education) and the Oakland Entrepreneur
Institute (info@urbanvoice.org).

West Oakland

Find out what’s happening in your District and subscribe to the District Three list serve by contacting
Carletta Starks, Councilmember Nancy Nadel’s office. (Nancy Nadel Listing).

Crime and Security

See the City’s mapping of the latest crime statistics and see Oakland Police Department tips at Crime Watch. Join your local Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council
by contacting your local Neighborhood Service Coordinator at 238-6372.