Antioch Business Collaborative
A Network of Support for Antioch’s Small Businesses and Nonprofits
The Antioch Business Collaborative is a city-supported network that provides free, coordinated support for small businesses and nonprofits in Antioch. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Collaborative connects entrepreneurs with one-on-one advising, trainings, access to capital, and a trusted navigation hub—so they do not have to grow their businesses alone.
Why this Collaborative
For years, Antioch’s entrepreneurs had limited access to visible, coordinated small business support. Many did not know where to turn for trusted advice, capital readiness help, or technical assistance. At the same time, the City and local partners were navigating shrinking revenues, pandemic business closures, and rising expectations to support small business recovery.
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The Antioch Business Collaborative was created to close this gap. It aligns the missions of the City and eight resource providers around a shared goal: helping local businesses and nonprofits start, grow, and create quality jobs close to home, while strengthening Antioch’s long-term economic resilience.
How the Collaborative Works
Through approximately $1.3 million in ARPA contracts, the Antioch Business Collaborative brings together eight organizations, each with a defined role in serving Antioch’s small business and nonprofit community. Together, they provide:​
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One-on-one business and nonprofit advising
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Group trainings and workshops
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Support with access to capital, including low-interest loans
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Industry-specific programming and events
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Bilingual navigation and referrals across the network
Two partners are community development financial institutions (CDFIs), one focuses specifically on nonprofits, several specialize in particular industries or stages of business, and a central “hub” organization provides bilingual navigation and ecosystem mapping so entrepreneurs can find the right support at the right time.
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Services cover business planning, financial management, marketing and branding, operations, procurement and government contracting, and nonprofit capacity-building such as strategic planning, governance, and fundraising.
Collaborative Model
The Collaborative is structured as a hub-and-spoke network. A central navigation provider serves as the hub, helping entrepreneurs understand their options, make informed choices, and receive warm referrals. The eight technical assistance and capital providers are the spokes, delivering specialized services tailored to different industries, stages of growth, and learning styles.
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Monthly partner meetings and in-person convenings ensure that providers act as a coordinated network rather than separate programs. Partners share information, co-host events, and troubleshoot shared challenges, making the system easier to navigate for businesses and more effective for every organization involved.
Formation Timeline
Key milestones in the formation of the Antioch Business Collaborative include:
March 2022
Antioch City Council earmarks ARPA funds for small business recovery.
October 2024
Providers convene in person, choose the program name, and start building referral systems.
June–July 2023
The City issues a request for proposals and selects up to eight providers for multi‑year contracts.
November–December 2024
Monthly virtual convenings finalize marketing, referral, and data-sharing practices.
March–November 2024
Contracts are executed on a rolling basis; providers onboard and begin service delivery.
2025
The Collaborative launches a comprehensive marketing campaign and hosts major events such as a Hair and Beauty Expo, Nonprofit Resource Fair, and East Bay Capital Summit.
Throughout this period, partners have offered regular trainings, office hours, programming and networking events, while meeting monthly as a full group to stay aligned and responsive.
Impact At-A-Glance
From 2024 through 2025, the Antioch Business Collaborative has:
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Supported more than 350 businesses
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Helped start more than 70 new businesses
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Supported over 400 jobs among participating businesses
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Delivered thousands of advising and training sessions
Participating businesses report increased sales, new customers and contracts, reduced debt, and improved access to capital. Many entrepreneurs continue to use services over multiple quarters and work with more than one provider, demonstrating the value of a coordinated network.
Network Benefits
For Cities
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Stronger business retention, expansion, and startup support
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A clear, coordinated entry point for entrepreneurs
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Increased community engagement through events and outreach
For Businesses & Nonprofits
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Free, tailored resources from trusted partners
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Help with financials, marketing, operations, capital, and governance
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A connected support network that grows with their business
For Resource Providers
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Referral pathways that broaden reach
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Shared branding and program visibility
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Stronger relationships with the City and other partners
Meet the Antioch Business Collaborative Members
