Supporting Growth & Development

The City of Emeryville supports business growth, development, entrepreneurship and innovation. Emeryville is home to both small and large businesses and prides itself on supporting a business-friendly culture. From retail stores to technology firms, businesses in Emeryville benefit from a small and personal city government, an active and engaged residential community, and a thriving local business community. The Department’s Economic Development Program facilitates private development through developing partnerships with the private sector and providing financial resources for needed public improvements and brownfield remediation. Department staff are available to work with business to facilitate site selection, business development, and business expansion.

Small Business Initiatives

Both the City Council and the Planning Commission have expressed interest in the challenges new and existing small businesses face in starting up and continuing to perform in today’s economic climate. A joint study session of the Planning Commission and City Council was held in order to reach out to small businesses and the community in general. The majority of the meeting was devoted to a “listening session” to allow City leaders to hear the community’s thoughts on how the City may help or otherwise facilitate connections to both City and outside agency resources. Click here to learn about the City's Small Business Initiatives.

Economic Development Strategy & Implementation Plan

The Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan serves as a blueprint to guide the city’s Economic Development Programs. The workplan focuses on initiatives in each of the following areas:

• Build/expand strategic partnerships
• Fiscal development
• Improve process of operating/locating a business in Emeryville
• Improving access
• Support bioscience industries
• Support / explore innovations to serve the business community
• Support infill development
• Support small, local-serving business development
• Sustainability

Find available commercial space in Emeryville.

Marketing Request for Proposals (RFP)

The City is seeking professional assistance to implement the City’s marketing program, designed to communicate the City’s unique status as a center of art and innovation to the visitor economy and community at large, while powering economic growth.  Submittals are due by 5:00pm September 7, 2023.  The RFP is available for download here.

Marketing RFP Addendum 1- Q&A Document here

Business Resources

Find resources for starting and operating a business in the Business Resources Guide.

Contaminated Property

Obtain financing for cleaning up contaminated property.

Transit Center

Learn about the Transit Center, an inter-modal, public / private project located just north of the Amtrak Station.