Oakland Park is Dedicated to Helping
Small Businesses Thrive
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Oakland Park is a small City with a big personality. It has a lot to offer residents and businesses alike; that's why thousands of businesses call Oakland Park home.
The majority of our businesses are not big box retailers or chains. We are proud to be a diverse community of aspirational entrepreneurs and their unique small business ventures. We're glad you're here and we want to help you succeed in Oakland Park.
The City is dedicated to helping its businesses thrive. This Loakl Entrepreneur Business Newsletter is another tool we will use each month to inform business owners of local news and raise awareness of the resources available to our business community. Enjoy our premier issue.
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The Oakland Park Selfie Museum | |
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Oakland Park is home to thousands of businesses. We have everything from A to Z, even our very own Selfie Museum.
On May 11th, 2022, Frederick "Tank" Holyfield, an enterprising young artist, opened the doors to his very own creation, the Oakland Park Selfie Museum.
As one of our newest LoakL entrepreneurs, we asked Fred a few questions about why he chose to open his business in Oakland Park. Enjoy the interview below and stop by the Selfie Museum at 1101 NE 34th Court to meet Tank!
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Q & A with Frederick "Tank" Holyfield | |
What tip would you give a business owner or up-and-coming entrepreneurs? | |
"If you're going to open a business, commit to it, put every, every, waking hour that you have that's free, put it into your business, ... it's going to be hard, it's going to be tough, you're going to miss out on some fun
things, but when you have your own space, and you can look back and say I did this, I created this. There's nothing that feels better than having ownership of your own thing."
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What is the secret to your success?
| It's about "... putting in the hours, honestly, that's it, hard work, dedication. Also, never be afraid to ask for help ... do not be afraid to ask because you never know what somebody is willing to do for you ... I needed help with a code enforcement issue and I didn't know where to begin. I called the city and ... they were so helpful ... I got so many resources out of it. It was a wonderful thing. So the secret to success- Do not be afraid to ask for help." | |
Why did you choose Oakland Park for the Selfie Museum? | |
" I always hang out [in Oakland Park] in my free time ... I'm either at Tenth Level Tavern, or Funky Buddha just hanging out with my friends ... so I've been coming here for years. I'm 30 ... I've been coming here since I was 21 ... everyone here has been so friendly and so kind and I've never had any issues. So it just felt like a good spot to ... create my own space." | |
Oakland Park CRA
The City of Oakland Park Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is here to help you! If your business is in the CRA District (the areas shaded in blue and green on the map), special resources may be available to help your business grow. Visit the CRA website to learn more.
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The CRA Business Incentive Program provides grant funding (up to $20,000 in the CRA and up to $35,000 in the Culinary Arts District) to improve your commercial space. More than a dozen businesses have received funding for façade improvements and interior buildouts. If you’re in the CRA and thinking about enhancing your property, contact the CRA today. | |
Funding Opportunities For Your Business | |
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Broward County Small Business Loan Fund in partnership with the National Development Council
NDC’s work focuses on HOMES, JOBS and COMMUNITY. Founded as a national nonprofit in 1969, NDC has worked for over 50 years fulfilling its mission to increase the flow of capital for investment in low-income communities. NDC facilitates SOAR Loans and is a certified SBA 7a Lender. Their loan product amounts range from $5,000 to $5 Million.
Click here for more information.
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SFRPC Revolving Loan Fund
The South Florida Regional Planning Council’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program is designed to meet the needs of businesses that are not met by conventional lenders.
Applications should be sent to alopez@sfrpc.com
Click here for more information.
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Let's welcome these new businesses to Oakland Park! | |
- 5K Soulfood & Seafood LLC
- About Kitchen & Laminate Flooring
- Alday LLC
- All American Marine Service
- Arberi Kitchen
- Bread from the Vine
- Crosscountry Mortgage
- Diamonds Nail Bar
- Doll Me Up
- Irving M Bratt, MD
- JLNY Spa
- Mission Parkour Academy
- Regal Caribbean INC
- SNJ Taxes
- Total Package BB LLC
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ID Oakland Park
The Ceiba Groupe hosted a "First Pour Ceremony" in July to officially break ground on the next project in its ID Brand. The $18 million residential development, known as ID Oakland Park, will be located at 5801 North Dixie Highway and will include 106 rental townhouse units.
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City Breaks Ground on New Community Center
In July, the City broke ground on the North Andrews Gardens Community Center. The City Commission, staff, construction team, and residents gathered at 250 NE 56th Court to mark the start of the second bond facilities project. Visit the City website to learn how we are Building Our Second Century.
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Centennial Countdown has Started
In June, Oakland Park turned 93! The City is less than seven years away from its centennial in 2029! Seven years may seem like a long time, but it will be here before you know it! Plans to commemorate the City's birthday are underway. We look forward to celebrating with you!
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Sidewalks and Lighting Coming Downtown
The City is working with FDOT to enhance the downtown and make our streets safer and easier to get around. New lighting is being installed on NE 11th Avenue and new sidewalks are being installed on several streets between Dixie Highway and NE 2nd Avenue, from Oakland Park Boulevard to NE 38th Street.
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Oakland Park is striving hard to make us the prettiest hometown in Broward. The City is adding new amenities, improving our roads, and building new facilities, but we need your help to succeed.
Small businesses comprise the vast majority of our economy. They are visible on every major corridor and many of our side streets. Your commitment to keeping your business clean, neat, and attractive will serve not just your commercial interests, but will also improve our community for residents and visitors.
Did you know? Since 2010, the City has required that outdoor storage areas be enclosed with fencing between 6.5’ and 8’ high and made of masonry walls, chain link with slats, PVC, or wood. Our code of ordinances also allows businesses to obtain a free permit to display temporary signs for up to 30 days in a 12-month period.
Together we can make Oakland Park the best small town city in south Florida! Thanks for your efforts to improve our community. Look for more tips in our next newsletter. If there is anything we can do to help you, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 954-630-4400.
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Oakland Park Business Association Launch
Founded by entrepreneur Peter Jackson, the Oakland Park Business Association is a private endeavor that provides business owners a forum to network, find partnerships and opportunities, and educational resources.
Launch Party - August 24th at 5 p.m.
Hotspots Art Gallery - 3500 NE 12th Ave., Oakland Park
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Learn About Business Opportunities
Join the Broward County Office of Economic Development and Small Business Development (OESBD) on Aug. 24 at 2 p.m. on Zoom to learn about business opportunities through the Mobility Advancement Program (MAP Broward). MAP has a goal of engaging local small businesses for 30% of eligible surtax-funded projects for 30 years! About $53 million is available for certified small businesses every year until 2049! Take your business to the next level, Come Do Business with Broward County Government!
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Driving Business Forward
August 24, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
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Oakland Park On the Rise Newsletter Available Online
The City of Oakland Park has released its summer/fall newsletter! Learn about new private development projects underway and coming soon; get an update on bond projects; see a map of upcoming improvement projects and more. Visit the City website now to read the newsletter online.
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