The Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC) is a pioneering and transformative resource for the Black business community in Oakland. Since its inception, the OAACC has been a leader in advocating for access to business opportunities in the private and public sectors.
A Full Circle Moment: Cathy Adams at the Helm
Becoming President and CEO of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC) represents a full circle moment for Cathy Adams. “I’ve been through a couple of mayors,” she laughed, coyly revealing how much she understands about the nuances of local politics. “I’ve picked up the rich history in terms of the landscape of Oakland." That intimate understanding of the challenges and political processes facing Oakland’s Black business community are what position her to lead the Chamber’s latest business development efforts.
Addressing Critical Needs During the Pandemic
In 2020, at the start of the pandemic, the OAACC quickly identified two needs amongst Black-owned restaurants: how to pivot operations while keeping their communities safe, and how to access the relief funds that Congress was allocating for small businesses. “We weren’t getting that money,” Adams recalls saying to herself as news emerged about the program.
That feedback that Adams was getting in the field turned out to be representative of a larger issue in the allocation and distribution of Restaurant Revitalization funds, which many had already criticized as being insufficient against need. However, not only were there not enough funds to go around, more than 2,900 businesses did not receive the grants they were approved for.
Building a Strong Community Network
Cathy attributes the success of the OAACC's endeavors to the network of relationships that the Chamber has built within the community. Truly walking the walk, they’ve become loyal patrons of their local businesses, while continuously advocating for their growth and increased leverage within the grander scheme of city ownership and development. “I’m exceptionally proud of how we’ve been out in the community, going to restaurants and posting about it, buying clothes from retail vendors, you name it,” she says.
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Cathy notes that events like Black Restaurant Week’s Soundbites Outdoor Play Day, presented by the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, the Kapor Center, Pepsi Dig In, and The Town Experience, help to build and maintain those crucial community connections. “We need the entire community to step in,” she said, encouraging everyone to come out and enjoy the food trucks, music, and free family activities from 11-3pm, and the adult skate party from 4-7pm.
In her interview with Black Restaurant Week, Cathy noted that access to capital is the Oakland Black business community’s biggest challenge.
Launching and supporting Black-owned businesses | Mandy Bowman | TEDxDover
Benefits of OAACC Membership
The OAACC is here to support you on your journey. Join a network of small businesses who trust OAACC as a preferred resource. Here are some benefits of becoming a member of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce:
- Technical Assistance: Stabilize and grow your business through workshops featuring access to capital, branding, entity formation, and small business taxes.
- Business Development: Grow your business at OAACC networking and supplier diversity events. Meet potential new clients and make B2B connections.
- Advocacy: Let your voice be heard locally, nationally, and statewide. and support Black-owned businesses.
Need access to targeted funds exclusively for our community? Join our community and access resources to help build your business. Explore The Many Facets Of Our Community From One Location.
Join OAACC and gain access to a wealth of benefits. Expand your reach by attending our events, connecting with other members, and tapping into insider knowledge from industry leaders. Discover new practices to enhance your business and increase your bottom line.
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You are receiving 2 years of membership for $250.00.
Additional Benefits:
- Technical Assistance: Stabilizing and grow your business through workshops featuring topics like access to capital, branding, entity formation, and small business taxes.
- Business Development: Grow your business at OAACC networking and supplier diversity events. Meet potential new clients and make B2B connections.
- Advocacy: Let your voice be heard on a local, regional and statewide level.
Take your business to the next level with free tools and resources that matter. Through ByBlack.us we leverage a network of over 140 Chambers across the country to vet and verify businesses that are Black-owned and deserve new opportunities for growth. Locally, as an OAACC member you have direct access to the City of Oakland and partnership certification programs.
We aren't just building a platform; we're empowering a community.
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Our members give their unique give share their own story about what they do in their own words. Never miss an opportunity to get inside information from leaders in their field at the events we put together just for you.
We cordially invite you to explore our curated collection of resources, connections, and events, meticulously crafted and powered by esteemed figures from both local and international spheres of influence.
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Other Oakland Chambers of Commerce
Besides the OAACC, several other chambers of commerce support businesses in Oakland:
- Alameda County Latina Chamber of Commerce: Empowers Latina entrepreneurs through business resources, advocacy, and community-building.
- Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce: Supports over 300 businesses in Oakland’s Chinatown and nearby areas, helping members with advertising, learning local rules, and staying connected in the community.
- Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce: Connects and supports Latino-owned businesses in Oakland through advocacy, education, and networking.
- Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce: The city’s largest and oldest business group, supporting businesses with networking events, updates on city policies, and special discounts.
- Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce: Helps Vietnamese business owners succeed through training, outreach, and support for Little Saigon and other community efforts.
These chambers collectively contribute to the diverse and vibrant business landscape of Oakland.
