CONTACT: Harumi Murata, murata@ci.oakley.ca.us, (925) 625-7006
Juliet Casey, jcasey@losmedanos.edu, (925) 473-7322
Oakley, Calif. – The City of Oakley and Los Medanos College (LMC) this week were recognized with the 2025 Award of Merit from the California Association for Economic Development for their partnership in providing free monthly small business workshops.
“We’re thrilled to see our small business workshop program with LMC continue to grow and gain recognition from economic development leaders across California. It’s a great reflection of the city’s ongoing commitment to nurturing local entrepreneurs,” said Harumi Murata, economic development analyst for the City of Oakley. “It isn’t often community colleges are recognized for their important role in driving economic growth and development in our communities. This partnership has been the perfect fit as Oakley historically has been a cornerstone for budding businesses.”
The city first developed the program with LMC in 2021.
The entrepreneurial workshops give participants a deep dive into aspects of starting a business with the guidance of an experienced instructor. LMC presents 90-minute interactive workshops in a virtual format that allows attendees to pose real-time questions and receive immediate, informed answers, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Participants are at various stages in their entrepreneurial journey. Some are Los Medanos College students embarking on or exploring entrepreneurial aspirations, while others own established businesses, including brick-and-mortar establishments in the Bay Area. On average, 15 to 30 people participate in the workshops throughout the year.
“LMC is the first best choice for people who need to sharpen or gain new skills to achieve their full potential, whether it’s starting or growing a business, or pursuing a degree while they work,” LMC President Pamela Ralston said. “We are deeply committed to partnering with agencies and major employers in the community to prepare students for high-paying, in-demand jobs in the region.”
About the City of Oakley
Located 50 miles east of San Francisco along the scenic California Delta, Oakley is
home to more than 45,000 residents and continues to grow as one of the Bay Area’s
emerging communities. Known for its small-town charm and welcoming neighborhoods,
Oakley offers a unique blend of rural heritage and urban growth. Once defined by vineyards,
orchards, and farming communities, Oakley is now a thriving city with new schools,
parks, and neighborhoods that reflect its dynamic transformation. The City supports
business growth through strategic investments, including small business workshops,
industrial development, and infrastructure improvements. Follow the City of Oakley
on Facebook, Instagram, and @CA_Oakley on X.
About Los Medanos College (LMC)
LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District serving
the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal
designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning
transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities
in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum,
growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college
prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and
beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an
additional education center in Brentwood.
About California Association for Economic Development
The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) is California’s
premier economic development association. With more than 900 members, it is one of
the largest economic development associations in the country, which is why we refer
to our membership as California’s Economic Development Network. Since 1980, when it
was created, CALED has led the way in teaching economic developers, local elected
officials, and state representatives the value of economic development and how it
is used to grow businesses, generate revenue to support community development programs,
and retain and create quality jobs. Learn more about CALED.