Economic Development News from the East Bay | September 2021

Preparations for the 2021 East Bay Innovation Awards are in full swing. We're looking forward to a fun-filled evening on Thursday October 14, where finalists from across Alameda and Contra Costa Counties will be celebrated and the winners of 10 competitive categories will be announced. The virtual ceremony will feature emcee Scott McGrew of NBC Bay Area, entertainment from Oakland's Kev Choice, and the talented youth of YR Media.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Join the likes of our Presenting Sponsor: Kaiser Permanente; Gold Sponsors: AB&I Foundry, Bank of America, Bayer, the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County; and Silver Sponsors: AT&T, the City of Hayward, PG&E, Wells Fargo; and Supporter and Legacy Honoree: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.

If you haven't already registered, tickets are now available for East Bay EDA members and non-members. We look forward to celebrating the best of East Bay Innovation with you!
Akoma Outdoor Market, East Oakland. Photo: Andria Lo

The San Francisco Business Times is now featuring a content hub highlighting our regional economy and resilience in the face of the global pandemic. The six-part series, entitled East Bay Forward, features stories on VC investment, regional innovation, local business response, equitable economic development, and more. The hub is an accompaniment to East Bay EDA's forthcoming research and roadmap on creating an a resilient regional economy.

When the coronavirus first led to shelter-in-place orders back in March 2020, thousands of businesses across the Bay Area had to close their doors, public transit was rolled back to essential routes and services, and public spaces fell empty because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The East Bay Economic Development Alliance quickly responded by organizing a network of regional partners including cities and chambers of commerce to support local businesses and kickstart the local economy while learning from each other about how to operate in the “new normal...” Read more.

Visit the San Francisco Business Times content hub today and don't forget to register for our Fall Membership Meeting where the East Bay Forward publication will be presented!
NEWS

For the past six months, East Bay EDA has engaged in a process to develop East Bay Forward, a regional economic assessment and roadmap to best position the East Bay for a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable economic future. Join us and keynote speaker, Dr. Manuel Pastor, on 9/23 for a presentation of our research, an informative Q&A, and more.

Manufacturing Day events are happening throughout the month of October to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. AMBayArea’s Ambassador Program connects manufacturers to Bay Area high schools that are hosting MFG Day events and looking for manufacturers to speak to students. Visit CMTC, MFG Day, and SFMADE for more events around the region.

The California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is now open with grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to eligible small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. Round 8 for Nonprofit cultural institutions only has been extended through 9/30. Round 9 for new applicants and waitlisted applicants from previous rounds is also open through the month.

Public transportation is back in the Bay Area and many agencies are offering specials throughout September. AC Transit is offering Fare Free Fridays throughout the month, BART has a special promotion of 50% off all fares on Clipper for the entire month, and the SF Bay Ferry is offering a new Oakland and Alameda weekend schedule with discounts. Ride safe!
ECONOMY

More than 11,860 business locations in the East Bay have momentarily or permanently discontinued business activities between March 2020 and July 2021, according to an analysis of inactive business activity using data insights from business analytics company Dun & Bradstreet (D&B).