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Business Assistance

Berkeley businesses can get assistance on a range of business topics, including business expansion, marketing, and talent recruitment.

The Office of Economic Development helps businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, and community organizations access services, feel welcome in Berkeley, and thrive. Businesses can get direct assistance and advice from staff, access resources about starting a business, or get connected with other local organizations for industry- or location-specific support.

Subscribe to the Office of Economic Development newsletter to receive updates about funding opportunities, resources, events, and more.

Direct assistance

Send an email to oedmailbox@cityofberkeley.info to request assistance for your Berkeley business. Examples of topics we can support you with include:

  • Finding a Berkeley location
  • Navigating the zoning and building permit process
  • Engaging with neighboring businesses, commercial districts, and local stakeholders
  • Marketing, for example through the #DiscoveredinBerkeley campaign
  • Accessing citywide demographic and commercial district data
  • Recruiting talent and posting jobs
  • Joining relevant industry and business networks
  • Establishing an outdoor commerce installation or parklet
  • COVID-19 information and resources

Read our brochure for information about the Office of Economic Development’s services.

Resources for starting a business

Read the Berkeley Business Resource Guide for information on how to start and sustain a successful business in Berkeley. The guide walks through key steps of launching a new business:

  • Creating a business plan
  • Exploring financing options
  • Establishing as a legal entity
  • Obtaining your business license and permits

Operating a food business? Read the Environmental Regulations & Resources for Food Businesses to understand the environmental rules you need to follow.

Connect with other organizations

A number of our partners at other government agencies and nonprofit organizations also provide services to Berkeley businesses. 

A few of these include:    

  • Alameda County Small Business Development Center: counseling, expansion planning, loan application preparation, educational workshops
  • Berkeley Startup Cluster: resources and support for startups and entrepreneurs
  • Berkeley Commercial Districts: neighborhood and location-specific connections
  • Project Equity: succession planning, conversion to worker ownership
  • Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center: business planning, educational workshops
  • Tech Futures Group: market launch, funding strategies, Intellectual Property strategy, Small Business Development Center programs and seminars, and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant applications
  • Working Solutions: financing, business counseling

Related Documents

Document
  • OED Services Brochure (165.45 KB)
Document
  • Environmental Regulations for Food Businesses (1.2 MB)
Document
  • Berkeley Business Resource Guide (567.7 KB)
Document
  • Industry Groups for Berkeley Businesses (320.45 KB)
Document
  • Commercial Space Available in Berkeley (300.21 KB)
In this section
Operating in Berkeley
  • Business Licenses
    • New Business Licenses
    • Business License Renewals and Closures
    • Business License Classifications & Tax Rates
  • Business Assistance
    • Green Business Certification
    • Business Financing
  • Landlords
    • Housing Code Enforcement Inspections
    • Rental Housing Safety Program
    • Exterior Elevated Elements Inspection
    • Tenant Relocation for Repairs
    • Fair Access to Housing
  • Food Service
    • Construction and Design Standards
    • Food Safety and Inspection Program
    • Single-Use Foodware Rules
    • Temporary Food Booths Permits
  • Special Business Taxes
  • Workforce Standards and Enforcement
  • TRACC Commuter Benefits
  • Hazardous Materials Business Plan
  • Tobacco Retail
  • Tattooing, Body Piercing, and Permanent Cosmetics
  • Lease or Buy City Property
  • Swimming Pools, Spas, and Recreational Waters Inspections
Business Assistance
Email: oedmailbox@cityofberkeley.info
Phone: (510) 981-7530
locally-based economy

Foster a dynamic, sustainable, and locally based economy

View Our Strategic Plan

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