January 30, 2026 | ISSUE #45

News + Updates!

The ECD Team is excited to take on 2026. We have several projects underway, just to list a few....

• Finalizing the Unincorporated Economic Development Strategic Plan
• Overseeing Lorenzo Theater Renovations
• Revitalizing the East County Martinelli Center
• Implementing the Eden Area Signage Plan

Stay tuned for updates and special announcements related to these projects & more in future newsletters!

New Year, New Look!

Download Your Updated

Business Welcome

Guide Today!

Your guide to doing business in unincorporated Alameda County. Complete with new resources and a permit glossary. Available in English, Spanish and Chinese!

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

Sidewalk Vending Ordinance Update

Alameda County has recently adopted a Sidewalk Vending Ordinance. Please click the links below to find out more about the new restrictions, permit process and enforcement details.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

Small Business Workshops

One of ECD's amazing partner organizations - the East Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC) - offers FREE development trainings for current and prospective small business owners! Trainings take place every month and cover a variety of topics aimed at starting, growing, and promoting your business. Visit the East Bay SBDC events page to keep abreast of upcoming trainings and classes.

Upcoming Workshops

February 11, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 1 PM

Financing for Small Business

Getting Bank (or Loan) Ready – this workshop would provide guidance to businesses about the requirements for becoming bankable.

March 11, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 1 PM

Financial Reporting and

Getting Started with QuickBooks

The goal of the class is to increase attendees’ knowledge of QuickBooks and improve company productivity. The class will also focus on issues such as using QuickBooks to receive and make payments, integrating the program with bank accounts and tracking sales information.

April 8, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 1 PM

Marketing Your Business

Join us for this educational webinar to learn the fundamental principles of marketing and how best to apply those principles to empower you to create your own marketing efforts for your small business.

May 6, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 1 PM

Spanish – Fundamentos de un Plan de Marketing

Únete a nosotros en este webinar educativo para aprender los principios fundamentales del marketing y cómo aplicar los principios más adecuados para potenciarte y crear tus propios esfuerzos de marketing para tu pequeña empresa.

Join us for this educational webinar to learn the fundamental principles of marketing and how best to apply those principles to empower you to create your own marketing efforts for your small business.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

Food Entrepreneurship Training Academy (FETA)

East Bay SBDC and ECD offers a free 10-part series on “Food Business Entrepreneurship” for participants interested in launching and growing food businesses in Alameda County in English and Spanish!

WELCOME TO ALAMEDA COUNTY'S

NEWEST BUSINESSES!

Beautifully Renewed LLC

19127 Redwood Road Room 4

Castro Valley

Castro Valley Barbershop

20405 Santa Maria Avenue

Castro Valley

M1 Hair Salon

19600 Hesperian Blvd

Hayward Acres

Tyler's Barbershop

2626 Castro Valley Blvd

Castro Valley

Thank you Alameda County Business License Office for the collaboration!

The Congrats Corner!

Here we share some unincorporated good news!

Pete's Ace Hardware celebrated their 100th year anniversary this month, congratulations to Pete's, this is an amazing accomplishment!

Photo Credit: Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce

The Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce, surpassed their 2025 goal of reaching 500 members last month! Well on their way to 600 for 2026.

Keep it up Chamber, we see you!

COUNCILS & COMMITTEES

Ensure that your voice is heard by taking part in these upcoming Alameda County community meetings!

CASTRO VALLEY MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Land Use Meeting(s) - Castro Valley Library

General Purpose Meeting - Castro Valley Library

EDEN AREA MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Regular Meeting - San Lorenzo Library

FAIRVIEW MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Regular Meeting - Castro Valley Library

SUNOL CITIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL

Regular Meeting - Sunol Glen School Cafeteria

UNINCORPORATED SERVICES COMMITTEE

Regular Meeting - San Lorenzo Library

All of the listed meetings have an hybrid option to tune in virtually, visit the individual agendas for the zoom links to tune in.

Visit the Mobile Citizen Page to Learn More

The Collective Corner

Get Involved With Your Business Community

Come learn, share & network with your fellow businesses!

Curious about your Eden Area Business Community?

Join the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce

Contact Gary Slate | gary@castrovalleychamber.com

Is your business located in Ashland or Cherryland?

Join the Eden Area Business Collective (EABC)

Contact Gary Slate | gary@castrovalleychamber.com

How about in San Lorenzo?

Join the San Lorenzo Business Alliance

Contact Janella Anguiano | janella_sells@yahoo.com

Business Resources

Have You Met PAM?

PAM is an interactive public access map that allows users to check the zoning of any business or residential in the Unincorporated County.

If you own or are looking to purchase property, it's important to know what uses can and cannot take place!

Sponsored By:

Our unincorporated community boundaries can be confusing! It is important to verify your location when opening or relocating a business.



Check out the Community Locator below!

We are on Instagram! @Explore_UnincorpALCO

Have a great place to share? Tag us on Instagram!

Alameda County Economic & Civic Development Department