Connect With Local Business Owners at the Castro Valley Business Alliance

Running a business can sometimes feel like you are figuring everything out by yourself. The Castro Valley Business Alliance gives local business owners, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and professionals a place to meet, share what they do, and build real relationships in the community.

The next Castro Valley Business Alliance lunch meeting will take place on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM inside the common seating area in the middle of the Castro Valley Marketplace.

The Castro Valley Business Alliance is presented by the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce and is led by local business professionals Monica Giewkowski and Sandy Martinez.

How the Lunch Meeting Works

This is a relaxed, bring-your-own-lunch-style networking meeting.

When you arrive, grab lunch from one of the businesses inside the Castro Valley Marketplace. Then, bring your food to the common seating area in the middle of the Marketplace and join us at the table.

During the meeting, everyone will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and share:

• The name of their business

• What they do

• Who they help

• The types of connections they would like to make

Be sure to bring your business cards. You never know who you might meet or which conversation could lead to a new customer, referral, collaboration, or community connection.

Networking That Feels More Personal

You do not need to prepare a formal presentation or sales pitch.

The Castro Valley Business Alliance is designed to make local networking feel comfortable and useful. It is an opportunity to have lunch, meet other professionals, learn more about the businesses in our community, and let people know how they can support you.

Whether you are an established business owner, a new entrepreneur, a nonprofit leader, an independent professional, or someone looking to become more involved in the Castro Valley business community, you are welcome to join the conversation.

Leave With a Marketing Tip You Can Use

We finish every meeting with a practical marketing tip that you can take back and use in your business.

The goal is to make the information simple, helpful, and easy to implement. You will leave with more than a stack of business cards. You will also have a new idea to help you market your business and stay visible in the community.

Why Local Business Connections Matter

Some of the best business opportunities begin with a simple conversation.

Meeting other local professionals can help you build referral relationships, discover nearby resources, find potential collaborators, and become more connected to the community you serve.

People are also more likely to remember and recommend a business when they have met the person behind it. Consistently showing up at local events helps people understand what you do and keeps your business top of mind when someone needs your services.

Event Details

Event: Castro Valley Business Alliance
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: Castro Valley Marketplace
Meeting area: The common seating area in the middle of the Marketplace

Grab your lunch from one of the Marketplace businesses, bring it to the table, and enjoy an hour of networking, business introductions, and practical marketing information.

Remember to bring your business cards!

Presented by the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce

The Castro Valley Business Alliance is presented by the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce, which serves Castro Valley, Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo, and the surrounding Eden Area.

The group brings together local business owners, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and professionals who care about creating stronger businesses and a stronger community.

We hope you will join us on July 30, introduce your business, and meet more of the people doing great work in and around Castro Valley.

About Sandy Martinez

Sandy Martinez is the founder and creative director of Emerald Gate Studios, a Castro Valley content studio and marketing agency. She helps local businesses create social media content, video, photography, podcasts, and practical marketing strategies.

Sandy also serves as the Media Marketing Director for the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce and helps local businesses become more visible and connected throughout the East Bay.