The City of Oakland is accelerating efforts to encourage small and local businesses by making changes to its Local and Small Local Business Enterprise (L/SLBE) Program. 

The program will increase opportunities for Oakland-based companies in city-led development projects and public contracts.

As described in the revised program guidelines, revisions include eased certification standards, better and more bid preferences and increased mentor-protégé incentives. Developers partnering with the city are now required to provide participation plans that incorporate L/SLBE contractors.

Firms can seek certification via Oakland's Local Business Certification website and open contract opportunities are posted on the city's vendor platform. 

The action comes on the heels of a disparity study revealing historically low contract awards to Black- and women-owned businesses. Oakland responded by reshaping its program to promote equity and local hiring.

The city has moved further to enhance access by setting aside small public works projects for local contractors and introducing a new "jumbo local" business category to fill the gap for mid-sized businesses (Oakland to Strengthen Its LBE/SLBE Programs). Collectively, these efforts will provide for public expenditure to favor an inclusive and more sustainable local economy.