The Fund My Business Program is designed to help entrepreneurs take the next critical step toward securing funding for their business. Whether you’re in the early stages of growth or looking to expand, we provide expert support to help you access capital and navigate the world of small business financing. Learn how to prepare your business for investment, improve financial readiness, and connect with microloan providers like CDFIs and Kiva. From crafting a solid financial strategy to ensuring your business meets lending requirements, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Take the first step towards funding your business, and join us on the journey to success!

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Our Sponsors


Program Description

Join us for our three (3) session program!

Our free, in-person, or virtual sessions will teach you how to secure the financial backing your business needs, from preparing a solid loan application to understanding your various financing options. We’ll guide you on creating financial documents, building relationships with lenders, and understanding capital strategies to help your business grow.

COST: FREE

Why Free? We are excited to offer these courses to you for free, thanks to the generous support of our funders. In return, we kindly ask for your demographic information, which helps us report back to our sponsors about the amazing work being done in our community. By providing this information, you not only gain access to valuable training at no cost, but you also help us demonstrate the impact of these programs, encouraging our funders to invest more in initiatives that benefit you and others in your community. It's a win-win for everyone!

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

  • 6-hours of in-person training focused on capital readiness and financial management.

  • Detailed breakdown on how to prepare loan applications and improve creditworthiness.

  • 2-hour coaching session with experienced business financial advisors to review your funding strategy.

  • Graduation ceremony and panel discussion with successful entrepreneurs and lenders (in-person only).

BENEFITS TO YOU

  • Understand the process of securing funding for your business.

  • Learn how to create strong financial documentation, including cash flow projections and loan applications.

  • Build relationships with microloan providers like Kiva and CDFIs.

  • Get to know the various funding options available to entrepreneurs, from microloans to crowdfunding.

  • Expand your professional network and engage with fellow entrepreneurs and lenders.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

  • Have an existing business or be in the growth stage of your startup.

  • Demonstrate a commitment to securing funding and growing your business.

  • Open to all, regardless of your education level or previous business experience.

  • Actively seek to build a financially sustainable business while positively impacting your community.


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MEET YOUR TRAINERS

Carlo Arellano CARLO ARELLANO

Carlo leads our Spanish Basic Entrepreneurship Program in Oakland, bringing a wealth of experience in helping small and medium-sized businesses thrive. Previously, he spent three years in Mexico City collaborating with the Secretaría del Trabajo y Fomento al Empleo to boost business productivity and competitiveness. Coming from an entrepreneurial family himself, Carlo’s personal journey inspired his passion for this field. He holds a degree in Economics and a Postgraduate in Globalization and International Economy from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).

Our Entrepreneur’s Inspiring Stories

Ashanti’s Story – New York
Raysa’s story – San Francisco

Questions?

Learn more about us and our programs by calling (510) 250-3233 or email Carlo at carlo@centrocommunity.org.

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