Black History

OAACC and Salesforce Kicks Off ‘Oakland for Business’

Created by the OAACC with support from KRON4 television and made possible by Salesforce, the new campaign – entitled “Oakland for Business” – is an extension of a pilot initiative which the OAACC launched earlier this year. The latest campaign produced by KRON4 features 24 local entrepreneurs, their businesses, and vision for success and future growth in Oakland. Videos and business profiles will be shared on KRON4 streaming platforms and on www.oaklandforbusiness.com.

Published

3 years ago

December 21, 2021

Oakland Post

Shalaya Shipman, left, Senior Director of Strategic Business Development at Salesforce; and Cathy Adams, president/CEO, of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of OAACC.

The Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC) announced on December 10 the launch of a new multimedia marketing campaign aimed at promoting the resilience of small, Black-owned businesses that make up such a vital part of the Oakland community.

Compared to cities of similar size and population, Oakland is home to very few national retail stores, making a large percentage of Oakland’s population dependent on small, locally owned business for groceries, clothing, sundries, etc. This is especially true in traditionally Black neighborhoods.

Among the two dozen OAACC businesses featured in this digital campaign are a baker, jewelry designer, nightclub owner, real estate agent, hair stylist and restaurant owners and more – entrepreneurs who provide perspective on the challenges and rewards that come with following one of the quintessential American dreams: owning your own business.

“Oakland has one of the largest and most diverse Black-owned business communities in the country,” said Cathy Adams, the CEO of OAACC. “We’re excited and grateful that KRON4 Television and Salesforce share in our commitment to driving opportunity and innovation with Black-owned businesses, and we’re looking forward to elevating the experiences of the incredible entrepreneurs shaping our community.”

KRON4 teamed up with Salesforce as part of the tech company’s wider commitment to empower Black-owned businesses and close the racial wealth gap.

“Salesforce is proud to support the Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce in their efforts to amplify Black entrepreneurship,” said Shalaya Shipman, senior director of Strategic Business Development at Salesforce. “We believe in the power of Black-owned businesses and as a company we are deeply committed to closing the racial wealth gap. Companies have an important opportunity and responsibility to drive racial equality in the communities around us.”