Veggielution is a community-based organization in San José, California, focused on urban farming to promote social integration and economic development. Through its Eastside Grown program, it supports local entrepreneurs by offering training to start home-based food businesses and guidance on obtaining permits like MEHKO and selling at farmers' markets.

The Eastside Connect program furthers economic mobility by fostering sustainable food systems and uniting diverse cultures through leadership opportunities and community engagement centered around food.

Kiva is a nonprofit that offers microloans to entrepreneurs worldwide through crowdfunding. It provides interest-free loans directly through its platform, helping small business owners, farmers, and students, particularly in underserved communities, access capital.

Borrowers can raise partial funding from family and friends to build trust before their loan request becomes public on Kiva’s site, where lenders globally can contribute. This model promotes financial inclusion by connecting entrepreneurs with resources they might not access through traditional banks, fostering economic growth and resilience.

Start Small Think Big (SSTB) provides free legal, financial, and marketing services to help entrepreneurs grow sustainable businesses. It focuses on supporting low-income individuals and minority-owned enterprises through a network of volunteer professionals.

Key services include assistance with contracts, bookkeeping, pricing strategies, and marketing strategies, though it does not offer funding, tax help, or general mentorship. SSTB also hosts workshops and networking events to further support business development.

La Luz Center is a nonprofit organization based in Sonoma, California, established in 1985 to support the Latinx community in the region. It primarily serves vulnerable families, offering a wide range of services aimed at economic advancement and community engagement. 

Some of the key support provided includes: Family Services, Economic Support, multicultural events and activities to promote community connection and inclusion, employment counseling, construction training certification, financial and housing support, and small business development and lending services.

Prospera is an organization dedicated to empowering Hispanic entrepreneurs in the U.S. by offering a range of services tailored to their unique needs. Founded with the aim of supporting small businesses, especially in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, Prospera provides free resources at all stages of business development, from ideation to growth.

Some of their services: Bilingual Business Seminars, Podcast, Business Consulting, Access to Capital, Technical Assistance: such as legal and accounting services, marketing strategies, and procurement readiness for government contracts.

Urban Justice Center is a nonprofit organization based in New York City dedicated to helping marginalized communities achieve justice through legal advocacy and support services. It focuses on addressing systemic injustices faced by low-income individuals, including immigrants, people of color, and survivors of violence.

Key programs include providing legal representation, direct services, and community organizing initiatives that empower individuals and advocate for policy change at local and national levels, ultimately aiming to create a more equitable society.

Cameo Network (California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity) is California’s statewide micro-business network, comprising over 400 organizations, agencies, and individuals dedicated to advancing micro-business development across the state. CAMEO supports small and micro-businesses through financing options like loans and credit, technical assistance, and business management training. The network also offers workshops, webinars, and financial education to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses. Works to increase public awareness and advocate for policies that support micro-business growth at local, state, and federal levels, empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive economic growth.

“To grow a thriving ecosystem of support for underserved entrepreneurs.”

Excite Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative dedicated to creating economic opportunity for all, with a special focus on underserved communities. It offers accessible financial services like low-cost loans, business accounts, workshops, webinars, and financial education to help low-income entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Committed to community impact, Excite supports local initiatives and provides resources to foster economic mobility and long-term success for its members.

NALCAB (National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders) is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing economic mobility in underserved communities, particularly among Latinos. It empowers low-income entrepreneurs through small business development services, financial education, workshops, webinars, and access to capital. Committed to creating inclusive economic opportunities, NALCAB supports community-based organizations and fosters long-term economic growth and resilience.

Operation Hope, established in 1992, empowers underserved communities through financial literacy and economic inclusion. Its Small Business Development Program provides personalized coaching for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs, while the 1 Million Black Businesses (1MBB) Initiative aims to create one million Black-owned businesses by 2030. The award-winning HOPE Inside model offers financial coaching, credit management, and disaster preparedness support. Operation HOPE has impacted millions, turning renters into homeowners and small business dreamers into successful owners, and continues expanding its reach through innovative services to promote economic equity.

San Joaquin County WorkNet, is a comprehensive employment and training resource for job seekers and employers in San Joaquin County. For entrepreneurs and small business owners, WorkNet offers a range of services, including Employer Services: Business Financing for startups and expansions, Employer Services such as employee recruitment and training programs, and access to the Economic Development Association for business advocacy and retention support. Additionally, the WorkNet Center at San Joaquin Delta College provides employment and training opportunities, assisting individuals in accessing education, training, and support services necessary for success in the labor market.San Joaquin County WorkNet operates multiple centers within San Joaquin County, California, including locations in Stockton, Manteca, and Tracy.They also offer online resources accessible to a broader audience.

The Miami-Dade Public Library System, offers Learning & Training resources for entrepreneurs, including Gale Business: Entrepreneurship for business plans and startup guidance, LinkedIn Learning with expert-led courses on business skills and marketing, and the Mogul Maker Expo for networking and business development workshops. Entrepreneurs can also access YOUmake Miami makerspaces for prototyping and attend business workshops on topics like LLC formation and business growth strategies.