For Businesses

DOWNTOWN ALAMEDA

The Downtown Alameda Business Association and the City of Alameda are committed to keeping businesses up-to-date with relevant information.

Bookmark this page and check back daily for new updates.
Check for up-to-date info being posted on the City's website: www.alamedaca.gov/alerts

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Relief Loans
The Small Business Association is offering emergency low-interest loans to help small businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue and to help pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.

Local organizations are available for technical assistance in filling out your SBA loan application:

EAST Bay Score offers business counselling services, including help with applying for a SBA Disaster Assistance Loan. All counseling sessions are conducted by telephone, video, or email. East Bay Score can be reached at 510-273-6611 or info@eastbayscore.org.
Alameda County SBDC provides one-on-one counselling for small businesses and has a wealth of information about resources and programs.

Learn about eligibility, available loan terms, collateral, credit requirements, and more. Webinar recordings:

On March 25, the City of Alameda hosted a representative from the SBA who shared information and answered questions about the “ABC’s of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans.” You can find a recording of the webinar on the Resources for Business and Workers Impacted by COVID-19 page, under the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans tab.
On March 19, the SBDC hosted a webinar to walk businesses through applying for a SBA Economic Injury Loan. Notes from the webinar including several references to resources can be found here. (The original slideshow can be found here.)

COVID-19 Small Business Survival Resources
SBDC has compiled a Small Business Survival Guide, answers to frequently answered questions, and other resources to help navigate through the chaos COVID-19 is having on employers and employees: https://www.norcalsbdc.org/covid-19

City of Alameda Resources for Employers
Visit the City of Alameda's website for regular updates and information about a variety of state, local and federal programs that may help businesses with the economic impacts of COVID-19: www.alamedaca.gov/COVID-19-Business-and-Worker-Resources

Additional Resources:

How Can We Help?

We're here to help and want to continue to provide beneficial information and resources. Please click this link to answer this short questionnaire: https://docs.google.com/member-questionnaire

Are there any additional resources we can offer?
Is there something else you’d like to see?
How best can our community help you?
What services or guidance can you offer to fellow businesses?

We're providing an easy-to-share portal with our neighbors who are looking for ways to support you. Please take a moment to add your Downtown Alameda business to the list: https://docs.google.com/forms/business-status

Message from the Executive Director:

Hello there…

I’m thinking a lot about our community: all of you, who comprise this vibrant and vital district. The shopkeepers, restaurateurs, business owners and your employees. I hope you’re staying safe and healthy.

During my first week as Downtown Alameda Business Association, Executive Director, I had been fortunate to stop in to meet some of you. Sady, these in-person introductions are on hold for now, but I want you to know I am honored to be here...to listen...and learn.

We are facing a challenging time. This is uncharted territory for all of us and it is constantly evolving. As we navigate this new path together, please let me know what you need. I am available at kathy@downtownalameda.com.

I want you to know, with certainty, that your Downtown Association's leadership is committed to support and advocate for you during this challenging time— whether it’s to provide a reliable place to go for up-to-date, factual information, access business resources, or simply offer an opportunity to connect. How can we help?

It's an unprecedented time, and I want to make sure we keep supporting each other like the great community we are.

Be well,

Kathy Weber
Executive Director

For Members:

Downtown Easter Egg Hunt

Kids and their families will be on the hunt for treats in our downtown district on Saturday, April 11. If your business is interested in participating, sign-up soon!

CANCELED

Hire a Teen: Youth Job Fair

Connect with talented high school students! The City is hosting the fifth annual Youth Career & Job Fair on Thursday, March 19. Registration for a table is FREE to businesses.

CANCELED

Facade Grant Application

The City is accepting applications for the 2019-2020 Façade Grant Program. Funds for Exterior Painting are being reimbursed at the 80/20 level for the remainder of this round!

Learn More:

About the Downtown Alameda Business Association

Mission & Purpose

The Downtown Alameda Business Association serves as a support network for the businesses located in Alameda's Park Street Business District. The Downtown Association's goal is to develop an economically prosperous business district through a united effort of its members.

Board & Committees

Outreach Committee - Develops and maintains relationships with stakeholders and important entities including local businesses, property owners, City staff, and various government agencies.
Meets first Tuesdays, 8:30am.

Operations Committee - Plans and executes key programs that are vital to the Downtown Association including managing the L&L Assessment and operational functions for street maintenance, event execution, and volunteers.
Meets second Tuesdays, 8:30am.

Marketing Committee - Develops the Downtown Association’s long-term marketing plan, creating a consistent brand and key messaging strategy to bring visitors to the downtown; plans and implements public events.
Meeting date TBD.

Board of Directors - Provides oversight and governance of the association, determines the annual budget, and represents the membership on issues that affect the District. Board members are elected by the membership.
Meets last Wednesdays, 8:00am. Board Packets

View the FY2019/2020 Work Plan

View the 2019 Annual Meeting Slideshow (presented Oct. 16, 2019)

Things To Know

The Downtown Alameda Business Association's staff are available to answer any questions you may have about our Downtown community -- send us an email, call, or schedule a meeting. In the meantime, our Member Portal is full of information you will find to be beneficial.

Welcome, New Member!

Welcome to the Downtown Alameda Business Association! We are thrilled to have you and your business as a new member of our community.

As a retail, professional, or service business located within the designated Park Street Business Improvement Area (BIA), you are automatically a member of the Downtown Association with payment of BIA dues as set forth by the City ordinance. The BIA fee is paid in conjunction with your business license each year. (Members outside the BIA boundaries may join as an Associate Member.)

Member fees are vital to maintaining and decorating public areas in the downtown district, supporting committee efforts to create a desirable business climate, contributing to the operational costs of the Downtown Association, as well as promoting the downtown district to a wide audience.

While you become more familiar with the downtown district, we look forward to assisting you with the many member-focused opportunities provided by our association. We're also excited to help you engage with local customers by showcasing your business online and through other marketing channels.

We hope the information compiled on this page will be beneficial as you get your business up and running.

Sincerely,

The Downtown Alameda Business Association's Board of Directors and Staff

What Your Association Does For You

The Downtown Alameda Business Association is hard at work year-round with our members in mind. The goal of our organization is to help businesses thrive while improving our historic downtown and maintaining an economically prosperous district that is family-friendly, clean, green, and safe.

Here are some of the things we do for our Downtown Alameda businesses:

ADVERTISING/MARKETING

Coordinate both both on- and off-island promotions to attract visitors to the downtown district
Publicize member events, promotions, and fundraisers through our online channels and local media contacts
Host networking opportunities to increase awareness of local businesses to other downtown business owners and managers

DOWNTOWN EVENTS

Produce long-standing annual events that bring thousands of visitors to the district
Activate local areas during street closure events to bring local businesses to the forefront
Create innovative events such as Downtown Strolls to drive traffic into your business
Coordinate effective district-wide seasonal marketing campaigns to drive traffic into your business

DISTRICT MAINTENANCE & SAFETY

Monitor street maintenance and trash collection ensuring service is provided as scheduled
Work with the City to install additional recycle/compost stations in the district
Maintain our Clean, Green & Safe Fund to provide resources for the beautification of our historic district
Work diligently with the Alameda Police Department to stay on top of any safety issues in our downtown district

ADVOCACY & MEMBER SUPPORT

Advocate on behalf of member businesses regarding municipal issues, ordinances, and new projects
Work with members to access grant funding opportunities as they become available
Communicate district news, activities, and business opportunities via association newsletters and online forums
Support in a variety of capacities through personal visits
Provide discounted monthly parking passes available for two Municipal Lots
Host complimentary member events including mixers, workshops, and our annual holiday party

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Collaborate with community organizations to create a positive image of the downtown district and promote community-focused events.
Support local art programs including 2nd Friday ArtWalks
Our staff and Board members sit on multiple committees in the interest and betterment of downtown including: Coalition of Alameda Business Associations, City’s Economic Task Force, Facade Grant Committee, Government Relations & Economic Development Committee, Carnegie Restoration Project, Homeless Outreach Team, Climate Action Plan, and IntraCity Shuttle Project

Membership Categories

Promoting a healthy retail/service climate in our downtown district benefits the entire community. Membership fees are vital to maintaining and decorating public areas in the downtown district, supporting committee efforts to create a desirable business climate, contributing to the operational costs of the Downtown Association, as well as promoting the downtown district to a wide audience.

Retail, professional, and service businesses located within the designated Park Street Business Improvement Area (BIA) are automatically a General Member of the Downtown Alameda Business Association with payment of BIA dues as set forth by City ordinance.

Businesses located outside the BIA boundaries may become Associate Members with payment of annual dues. Our Associate Membership program allows businesses operating in other parts of Alameda to support our mission while taking advantage of member benefits and a variety of marketing opportunities.

View member benefits: www.DowntownAlameda.com/about/membership/

What's a BIA?

Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) are used extensively throughout California to promote a healthy retail/service climate as well as a district that is aesthetically pleasing and clean. Perhaps the biggest advantage to being in a Business Improvement Area is the knowledge that the welfare of the district is being actively pursued by both hired staff and civic-minded volunteers.

The Park Street Business Improvement Area (BIA) was formed in 1989 and codified in the Alameda Municipal Code (AMC), Section 6-7. Each year, the City Council re-confirms the Park Street BIA and sets the levy that becomes "dues" for businesses located within the designated improvement area.

Revenues from the BIA directly benefit businesses located in Downtown Alameda through the general promotion of business activities and public events, beautification and ambiance, construction and maintenance of parking facilities, and special projects benefiting the business area.

The Park Street BIA includes the "Theatre District" (Zone A) and the surrounding downtown business area (Zone B), including the newly added Park Street Landing.

The Park Street BIA is managed by the Downtown Alameda Business Association (formerly known as the Park Street Business Association).

View background info for fiscal year 2019/2020 (boundaries map and address list, BIA fee schedule, Downtown Association work plan): City Council agenda item (May 7, 2019)

Additional information about the City of Alameda's Business Improvement Areas (BIA's) is available on the city website:
www.alamedaca.gov/Business/Business-Associations-Improvement-Areas

Businesses located in and around Park Street are encouraged to contact the Downtown Alameda Business Association for further details.

Ways To Get Involved

Your business and our district depend on how proactive business owners and managers like you are throughout the year. There is always a way for you to make a difference that can benefit you, your staff, your business, and our entire historic downtown district.

Join a committee

Sit on one of our four standing committees or join a subcommittee.

Become a block captain

Our block captains help to welcome new businesses and distribute important announcements within an assigned area.

Volunteer to help with district events

Assist in producing one of our exciting downtown events.

Attend monthly mixers

Our downtown business mixers are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month. Join the conversation at a mixer or other special meeting. Maybe even host a mixer.

Speak up at a City Council

Your opinion matters. We'll notify you when an important topic affecting downtown businesses is scheduled to be heard at City Council.

Write an article for our monthly newsletter

Share your business tips.

Promote the downtown district in your emails and on social media

Help us spread the word about how great it is to live, work, shop, dine, and do business in Downtown Alameda! Tag your social posts with #DowntownAlameda

Participate in an online discussion group

Join a private GOOGLE GROUP or FACEBOOK GROUP to communicate directly with other merchants in our downtown district!

Send alerts

Ask for advice

Recommend a service

Share good news

To join one or both groups, send a request to: office@downtownalameda.com

Update Your Business Listing

Having your business listed on the Downtown Alameda website is a member benefit we provide to help you gain more exposure. Our website gets lots of traffic each month as thousands of visitors search for information on events, current news, and businesses located in the downtown district.

The online directory includes custom pages for each of our member businesses. Each business page includes business description, location info and map, link to your official website, and a business profile image. Additionally, to help visitors identify your type of business, businesses can be listed in one or two subcategories -- for example, maybe you offer Home Services and Design Services.

Take a moment to look for your business on our website: www.DowntownAlameda.com/Merchant-Directory

If you cannot find your business or would like to make changes to your business listing, please email office@downtownalameda.com.

Post an Event

The Downtown Association’s website includes a page for posting events happening in the district. Anybody can post events. There is no need to log in.

After an event is submitted, it is reviewed by an administrator to ensure the event takes place at a member business within the district. Approval can sometimes take up to 2 days so be sure to submit your event well in advance.

Submit your event here: www.DowntownAlameda.com/calendar/

(Look for the blue "Submit An Event" button.)

Report a Safety Issue

Doing Business in Alameda

Our online resources can help you to successfully start and operate a business in Alameda. Topics include:

Starting a Business in Alameda

Business Improvement Grants

Permit Applications (new, remodel, signs, special events)

Alameda's Green Ordinances (recycling & composting, plastic bags, foodware, straws)

Smoking and Tobacco Ordinances

Temporary Sign Guidelines

Minimum Wage Official Notice

Important Phone Numbers

Learn more about each topic and access links to the city's website: www.DowntownAlameda.com/doing-business/

Our Leadership

The Downtown Alameda Business Association’s Board of Directors,
committees, and staff work year-round in collaboration with the City of
Alameda, community organizations, association stakeholders, and all of
you to focus on important issues and activities that keep our downtown
vital, clean, green, and safe.

View the current Board of Directors roster and staff listing: www.DowntownAlameda.com/about/leadership/

Our Guiding Documents

The Park Street Business Association (dba Downtown Alameda Business Association) is a 501(c)6 organization. The association was first formed in 1981 by community leaders and downtown business owners. The association acts as the advisory board for the Park Street Business Improvement Area which was codified in 1989.

By-Laws:

Association By-Laws; revised 8/8/18

Policies:

Operating Reserve; adopted 1/30/19

Document Retention; adopted 1/30/19

Transparency; adopted 1/30/19

Procurement & Purchasing; adopted 2/27/19

Financial Reports:

FY18/19 Tax Return (most current report filed)

FY18/19 Balance Sheet

FY18/19 P&L

Work Plans:

FY2019/2020 Budget

FY2019/2020 Work Plan

Monthly Mixers

Downtown business mixers provide an opportunity for our members to network and receive district updates.

Bring your business card for a chance to win a door prize!

Next Downtown Mixer:

APRIL MIXER

Wednesday, April 15
5:30-7:00pm
Kokoro Donburi,
1518 Park Street

Mark your calendar... Downtown Mixers are usually held the third Wednesday of the month.

Newsletters

Access the latest news:

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Not receiving our newsletters and other email updates? If your business is located in Downtown Alameda, please contact our office to be added to our email list.