Partner List
Veggielution
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
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)
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
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
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
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.