Oakland Fund for Public Innovation

?? Calling all business owners! We are excited to announce OAKTalkx—a groundbreaking speaker series designed by the Oakland’s Department of Economic and Workforce Development. Join us for dynamic TED Talk-style presentations where you can share your experiences, challenges, and successes of operating a business in Oakland directly with key decision-makers. We are seeking a diverse group of speakers to ensure OAKTalkx represents the incredible diversity of Oakland’s entrepreneurs. Organizers want to reach individuals who don’t usually have direct access to city leadership. The presentation series is the brainchild of a new program that embeds independent cultural strategists in city government, thanks to funding from the Bay Area Creative Corp program, administered by the San Francisco Foundation. In a unique partnership between the Oakland Fund for Public Innovation and the City’s Cultural Affairs Division, Oakland currently has six cultural strategists working throughout government, and they are shaking up the status quo. Applications are now open until July 31st. Selected speakers will receive public-speaking coaching, media coverage in The Oaklandside a speaker’s stipend, and more. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, your voice matters. Apply here today: https://hubs.la/Q02GRWXs0 For more information, visit https://hubs.la/Q02GRXPs0 or write to [email protected].

I am thrilled to be bringing the Startup Champions Network to the Bay Area for the first time this October 30-November 1st. Our three day... three city tour will take ecosystem builders from around the nation and the greater Bay Area to 4 of my favorite places led by incredible champions for inclusive entrepeneurship... CoBiz Richmond, Inc. & Wesley Alexander... Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center & Nicola Corzine... Block & Ahmed Ali Bob... Oakstop & Trevor Parham... This is the first convening of the ESO Foundation and I'd like to thank our early supporters... my business partners Ben Wanzo and Martha Hernández, SHRM-SCP ESO Ventures... Brandi Howard East Bay Community Foundation... Juma Crawford Oakland Fund for Public Innovation! Our theme is Building Community Power... and we are going to be highlighting the challenges and innovative solutions coming out of the Bay Area. We have a max capacity of 200 attendees, with 100 coming from across the nation and 100 local ecosystem builders... and this will be a meeting space for people who sit at the intersection of entrepreneurship, workforce and economic development, capital access, and systems change through ownership and wealth building! Early bird tickets are available before August 31 here: https://lnkd.in/gz9ATVTs And if you would like to sponsor this event, I would love to speak with you so reach out and spread the word! #startupecosystem #capitalaccess #smallbusinesses #innovationeconomy #businessownership #ecosystembuilding

Cultural strategists are deeply rooted Oaklanders who act as thought partners to City departments, electeds and staff in advancing cultural equity and belonging. We are supporting ways of shifting how government does its work, and how Oaklanders relate to government through drawing on cultural and community knowledge that is not often taken into account in government practice. This is the third round of Cultural Strategist in Government in Oakland, made possible by a unique partnership between the Oakland Fund for Public Innovation and the City’s Cultural Affairs Division in the Economic Workforce and Development Department. The 2024 CSIG program is part of the Bay Area Creative Corps program, administered by the San Francisco Foundation in partnership with the California Arts Council and funded by a one time investment by the State of California General Fund. There are six cultural strategists in 2024. District 2 Office of Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas @nikkiforallofus Cultural Strategist: Eloisa “Elo” Almaraz @almarazelo @thepaxcrew District 3 Office of Councilmember Carroll Fife @carrollforcouncil Cultural Strategist: Rashida Chase @rashidachasemusic District 7 Office of Councilmember Treva Reid @reidforoakland Cultural Strategist: Charles “Chuck” Johnson @chuckster115 @soulbeattv Office of the Mayor Sheng Thao @mayorshengthao Cultural Strategist: Corey Johnson @sunspotjonz @hiphopscholastics Business Development - Cristy Johnston Limón, Deputy Director Cultural Strategist: YaVette Holts @yavetteholts @baobobdirectory Citywide Communications - Tina Risker, Digital Strategy and Innovation Officer, and Carina V. Lieu, Inclusive Community Engagement Officer Cultural Strategist: Noel California @noelcalifornia City of Oakland Oakland Fund for Public Innovation #KeepOaklandCreative #SupportOaklandArtists

OFPI is proud to announce that we are the new fiscal sponsor for TRiO Plus. Together with Kyra Mungia, CEO of TRiO+, we are committed to securing affordable housing for Oakland educators!

Come out to Town Nights! Enjoy free food, activities, and resources from community organizations. Don't miss these fantastic community events!

Town Nights is back for another year! In partnership with the Department of Violence Prevention and City of Oakland community organizations, 33 events will take place over the summer. Experience exciting activities, captivating performances, and meaningful opportunities for community engagement at various locations. https://lnkd.in/gpm7R9H3

We are proud to have Homies Empowerment as community partners! Their transformative education focuses on holistic growth, community engagement, and a supportive environment. Watch the video to see how the FREEdom School empowers students: https://lnkd.in/gTbW8dYM

Show up and support the revitalizing of our neighborhood! Community Clean-Up tomorrow with 7th Street Thrives & Kingmakers of Oakland.

Driving change through dialogue—our journey from Oakland to Montgomery united us. This reflective trip reinforced our roots and inspired us to strengthen Oakland's future. As leaders, we're committed to applying these invaluable lessons to enhance our community. Together, we are change-makers dedicated to creating a future where all Oakland residents thrive! We were joined by: Black Cultural Zone, Kingmakers of Oakland, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, East Oakland Youth Development Center, ESO Ventures, and Homies Empowerment.

We are thrilled to be part of this transformative initiative! Chris Paul has partnered with Goalsetter, supported by Nike and the Oakland Fund for Public Innovation, to bring an innovative financial education program to 1,400 students in Oakland. We are excited to foster a significant impact in our Oakland communities.