Oakland Thrive February & March Event Recap

2025 Oakland Thrive Awards and Small Business Spotlight

Thank you to everyone who helped to make our 2025 Oakland Thrive Awards and Small Business Spotlight a success. Oakland Thrive staff enjoyed connecting with the community and giving some of our clients a platform for their businesses. You can find all of our generous sponsors and this year’s winners on the Oakland Thrive website.

Thrive with Purpose: A Black History Tribute to Breaking Barriers

In February we celebrated Black History Month at Thrive with Purpose: A Black History Tribute to Breaking Barriers which featured Paul Bryant CPA from Plante Moran. The event honored the strength, resilience, and achievements of Black individuals, emphasized the importance of breaking barriers, and highlighted how perseverance, purpose, and leadership contribute to creating opportunities.

Commissioner’s Reception

In March, Oakland Thrive welcomed our Oakland County Commissioners in our Downtown Pontiac office for our 2nd Annual Commissioners Reception. We enjoyed an afternoon of connection and community highlighting the impactful work happening in Oakland County. Commissioners heard directly from the Oakland Thrive team about our work to support small Oakland County businesses. We shared a preview of our 2024 impact report, and heard from some of our B2B Technical Assistance expert providers and from some of our inspiring small business clients. We recognize and thank our commissioners for their ongoing support. 

Successful Restaurant and Hospitality Industry Event

On Feb. 24, Oakland Thrive’s Hospitality and Restaurant Specialist Donna Bauer gave a presentation entitled How to Write a Restaurant/Hospitality Industry Business Plan.

Bauer guided 15 attendees through the key components of a robust business plan, from cover page to Market Analysis to Facilities Design. Afterwards, the group toured Oakland Hope’s new commercial kitchen, which entrepreneurs can rent by the hour.