nominations now open for the 7th Annual oakland indie awards

Celebrate the spirit and impact of independent local businesses and artists! Tell us who makes Oakland fresh, forward and enterprising.

This year, there are seven award categories for the Indies: Oakland Soul, Ripple Effect, Innovative Newcomer, Pillar, Social Changemaker, and Job Creator. Nominate your favorites in each category by March 31st. You can nominate as many people as you like.

Oakland Soul :: Represents the soul, essence and spirit of Oakland. This business or artist appreciates diversity and creativity, is confident in their individuality and humbly supports their brothers and sisters. 

Ripple Effect :: A business that supports the local economy by buying their supplies and services from other local vendors, creating a “ripple effect” as money circulates within the community

Innovative Newcomer :: A business or artist that started in the last three years that excites and inspires with a creative new idea, perspective, model or solution.

Greenie :: An environmental  champion who works to improve our community through sustainable practices, products or services. This local business or individual reduces waste or consumption, creates green products or provides green services.

Social Changemaker :: This socially responsible business or individual incorporates positive social change into their mission, operations, and/or measures of success. They use creative approaches to give back to the community and address economic and environmental issues.

Pillar :: A long-established Oakland business or artist with deep roots in the community and long-standing ties to the people, culture and history of The Town.  This person or business mentors newbies and is renowned for their contributions to Oakland’s living history.

Job Creator :: An independent business that has a positive effect on the region by consistently providing good jobs for residents of the Bay Area, employs 50 people or more, is socially responsible and/or environmentally sustainable.

Winners will be announced at the Indie Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 30th at Oakland's Kaiser Auditorium, with a party on the rooftop following the ceremony. We're expecting over 1,600 folks to rock the roof, so get your tickets early!

The Oakland Indie Awards were established to highlight the economic impact of supporting locally-owned, independent businesses, to help re-direct the one billion in retail dollars that are sent out of Oakland each year back into our community, and to honor the independent businesses and artists that give back to the community.

This party is all about acknowledging the great things happening in Oakland and celebrating what the community, culture and enterprise that keeps Oakland so fresh.

CLICK HERE to check out Indie Awards for the past six years