Canal Alliance plans to hold a Small Business Marketplace on May 17 at its headquarters at 711 Grand Ave. in San Rafael. (Isabel French Photography)
By Cheryl Sarfaty | [email protected] |
North Bay Business Journal
Sonoma-Index Tribune
Press Democrat
PUBLISHED: May 13, 2026 at 4:16 PM PDT | UPDATED: May 14, 2026 at 10:59 AM PDT
Canal Alliance, a San Rafael-based social services organization serving Latino families and communities, will hold its inaugural Small Business Marketplace on May 17.
The free event will spotlight Latino-owned small businesses from across Marin County, offering residents the opportunity to shop locally while enjoying food, culture and connection, according to the announcement.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Marin’s economy, and Latino entrepreneurs play a critical role in that ecosystem,” said Canal Alliance CEO Omar Carrera, who has led the nonprofit organization for 10 years. “And we also know that financial security and upward mobility are essential components of a safe, secure life for everyone, immigrants included.”
The marketplace is set to feature handmade goods such as jewelry, hair accessories, custom gifts, recycled art decor and sustainable fashion, along with cultural items and a diverse range of food vendors offering Mexican street food, Yucatecan cuisine and Guatemalan dishes.
The event is part of Canal Alliance’s broader economic mobility strategy, which recognizes Latino small businesses as vital engines of job creation, neighborhood vitality and long-term economic resilience.
Sunday’s marketplace will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Canal Alliance’s headquarters, located at 711 Grand Ave.
At 2 p.m., there will be an unveiling of the final rooftop murals in Canal Alliance’s Threads of Unity mural series. The murals, developed in partnership with Canal Arts, are intended to create a sense of belonging by reflecting the lived experiences, cultural roots and resilience of Marin’s Latino community, the release stated.
“This marketplace — and these murals — are about visibility, pride and opportunity,” said Air Gallegos, director of economic mobility for Canal Alliance.
Founded in 1982, Canal Alliance offers immigration legal services, education and career programs to help Latino immigrants and their families overcome barriers to success.
