Economic Development News from the East Bay |November 2021

Join East Bay EDA and the Bay Area Council on Wednesday, December 1 for Safe Return to Work, a speaker series event highlighting the new normal of remote work and the future of commuting in the Bay Area.

For the last 18 months, many workers—particularly, office-based workers—have been working from home if their jobs allow it. According to a recent poll from the Bay Area Council, over 30% of employers surveyed still have a fully remote workforce, but two-thirds anticipate workers returning to the workplace, with 60% planning for flexible/variable work arrangements.

As more people return to work in 2022, what measures are in place to ensure a safer workplace? How are transit officials helping employees return to their commutes safely? What steps can workers take to keep themselves safe? Register today to join us for an insightful panel discussion on strategies for a safe return to work!

On October 21, 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced a $840,400 grant to the County of Alameda to support recovery of the region’s economy by providing technical assistance and other resources to small and medium-sized businesses. This EDA grant, which is being called Resilient East Bay, will be matched dollar-for-dollar from local investments.

The East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA) will administer the grant and coordinate all activities on this project. This grant award will enable small and medium-sized businesses in the manufacturing, transportation, distribution, logistics, and biotechnology industries to access a broader array of technical support resources and services to help strengthen our region’s economic recovery...Read more.
NEWS

EnerVenue of Fremont was recently awarded a $25 million tax credit from the state's California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) program. EnerVenue will be creating at least 1,692 full-time jobs to develop and manufacture super high-capacity nickel hydrogen batteries capable of sustainable energy storage. Learn more about the award the CCTC program.

East Bay EDA is proud to celebrate Native American heritage the month of November and beyond. We recognize the Lisjan Ohlone people as the original stewards of the East Bay and we support the thriving Native American community here in our region and across the nation. The dearth of accurate educational resources about Native American history.

Applications are now open for businesses to join the accelerators at ICA, a program that has supported some of the Bay Area’s most recognized brands. Program tracks available for early-stage and established high-potential companies. Qualifying companies are eligible for investment capital. Women and POC founders are the focus. Apply by December 1, 2021.

November 27, 2021 is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the pandemic. Please join SBA and organizations across the country in supporting small business!
In Remembrance

"It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that the District 3 and Alameda County community continue to mourn the sudden passing of Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan.

Supervisor Chan was a fierce leader and devoted champion for accessible and affordable health care, child care, housing, immigrant rights, senior services, and ensuring people’s basic needs were met.

Over her illustrious 40 year career in public service, Supervisor Chan was steadfast in her commitment to uplifting community voices and fighting for social and economic justice. Supervisor Chan broke numerous ceilings throughout her career as the first Asian American elected to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, and as the first woman and first Asian American to be Majority Leader in the California State Assembly"...Read more.