Berkeleyside's Local Business Forum Happens Tonight

You might know Berkeleyside for its fabulous reporting and elegant design. But you might not know that it also puts on an annual event called, Berkeleyside Local Business Forum. This year's theme: Startup Berkeley.

It’s a night designed for entrepreneurs who are “thinking of launching a business, or are simply interested in discussing how to improve the business climate in Berkeley,” according to Berkeleyside's website. It takes place tonight at Freight & Salvage in downtown Berkeley. (Click here for full details)

One of the founders of the forum is Lance Knobel. The following is a Q&A with him that has been edited for brevity and clarity. 

Tanya Miller: What gave you the idea?

Lance Knobel: There are a number of things. First, since we’re a Berkeley startup, we definitely have an interest in the issue of what conditions will foster successful startups in Berkeley. We’re also interested in seeing businesses succeed in Berkeley and debating the conditions that will foster that success.

Also, having done a forum last year, we feel strongly that there’s a need to have more non-confrontational, constructive places for people to debate these issues.

TM: Describe the business landscape in Berkeley.

LK: Berkeley has a reputation, in some circles, as having a certain level of hostility to business. People think that things like property development take an especially long time in Berkeley.

Or, if you want to get a license where there’s a business quota, like on Solano or the Elmwood district, it makes opening a new business difficult. The fear is people will start taking their businesses other places like Oakland, where it’s easier to get a license.

But on the other hand, Berkeley has an extraordinary tradition that fosters new ventures. They’re not always glamorous ventures like [tech] IPOs, but Berkeley’s been a great leader in social innovation and food culture.  There are many issues surrounding food where Berkeley has made extraordinary contributions.

TM: Can you give me some examples?

LK: Well there’s Chez Panisse, or the Local Butcher Shop. And there’s June Taylor, [the founder of jam and marmalade company, the Still Room] who’s actually on the panel. There’s Saul’s, which is pushing the boundaries of sustainability and what it means to be a deli in the modern age.

TM: Anything you want to add?

LK: I could go on forever, but I think those are some of the highlights.