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Emeryville EDAC outlines BIPOC small-business assessment and 2025 marketing launch
Summary
The Economic Development Advisory Committee reported on 2024 accomplishments and said a Northwestern University–led BIPOC small-business needs assessment is underway; EDAC also expects to launch a city marketing program with contractor 5 10 Media in 2025.
The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) presented its 2024 accomplishments and proposed priorities for 2025 at the Emeryville City Council meeting on March 18.
EDAC Chair Mary Lou Thierkoff told the council the committee’s top accomplishments in 2024 included developing a plan for a BIPOC small-business support program and beginning implementation of a city marketing program. She said EDAC engaged Northwestern University to conduct a BIPOC small-business needs assessment, which began in January 2025.
Why it matters: The assessment and follow-up programming are intended to reduce barriers for historically underrepresented business owners in Emeryville and to help attract and retain businesses through a coordinated marketing effort.
Thierkoff summarized the 2024 work: EDAC heard presentations from several organizations about small-business support models, monitored development of a Tobacco Retailer Ordinance, coordinated with the Emeryville Commerce Connection (ECC) on networking events, and convened a commercial real-estate brokers panel to understand vacancy patterns.
On marketing, Thierkoff said the city contracted with 5 10 Media to perform a brand audit, website foundation work and research; EDAC expects the public-facing website and a social-media campaign to launch in 2025. Thierkoff said the BIPOC program will move from needs assessment to evaluation of best practices, selection of implementation partners and program launch.
Council and EDAC members emphasized collaboration with other local entities, including the Rotten City Cultural District and the newly formed Emeryville Commerce Connection. Vice Mayor Carr asked whether EDAC would support promotion of the “Nellie Hannon Gateway” and Thierkoff said ECAP is a member of the ECC and EDAC will include the gateway in its newsletter and outreach.
Ending: EDAC asked the council to receive the report; councilmembers took no separate binding action on EDAC’s recommendations at the meeting but signaled support for EDAC’s priorities for 2025.
