Partner: Veggielution

A community-based organization 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.

Location: San Jose, CA

Events: https://veggielution.org/calendar

Partner: Kiva

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.

Location: Based in San Francisco, with offices in Bangkok, Nairobi, Portland and staff around the globe.

Partner: 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.

Location: San Jose, CA; New York, NY

Workshop & Events: https://veggielution.org/calendar

Partner: La Luz Center

A nonprofit organization supporting the Latinx community in the region. It primarily serves vulnerable families, offering a wide range of services aimed at economic advancement and community engagement.

Location: Sonoma, CA

Community Engagement: https://www.laluzcenter.org/community-engagement

Partner: Prospera

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, Prospera provides free resources at all stages of business development, from ideation to growth.

Location: Oakland, CA

Events: https://prosperacoops.org/events/category/prospera/

Partner: Urban Justice Center

A nonprofit organization 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.

Location: New York, NY

Events: https://www.urbanjustice.org/news-room/events/

Partner: Cameo Network

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.”

Location: San Francisco, CA

Calendar: https://cameonetwork.org/news/calendar/

Partner: Excite Credit Union

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.

Location: California; North Carolina

Community Events: https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/community-development/events

Partner: NALCAB (National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders)

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.

Location: San Antonio, TX

Community Events: https://nalcab.org/services/training2024/

Partner: 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.

Location: Nationwide

Community Events: https://nalcab.org/services/training2024/

Partner: San Joaquin

A community-based organization working to foster economic development and support local entrepreneurs through various services, including training and business consulting.

Location: California (including Stockton, Manteca, and Tracy)

Employer Services: https://www.sjcworknet.org/employer.asp

Partner: 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.

Location: Miami, FL

Calendar of Events: https://mdpls.org/events?

Partner: Mandela Partners

A nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting employee ownership as a strategy for business succession and community economic development.

Location: Oakland, CA; Nationwide

Events & Webinars: https://project-equity.org/events-and-webinars/

Partner: Mandela Partners

A nonprofit organization committed to supporting community wealth building through local food systems, small business support, and economic empowerment.

Location: Oakland, CA

Food Business Pathways: https://www.mandelapartners.org/food-business-pathways

Partner: Oakland African American Chamber Of Commerce (OAACC)

An organization dedicated to advocating for and empowering Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in Oakland through access to resources, education, and networking opportunities.

Location: Oakland, CA

Events: https://oaacc.org/events-2/