The fund targets Black-owned brick and mortar businesses as the foundation for economic activity and the future of the Black economy. While Black businesses already lead in innovation, culture and resiliency, the capital deployment ecosystem has failed to provide a path to sustainability and scale that actualizes potential into economic empowerment.
COVID-19 and the resulting economic collapse exacerbates those circumstances, putting our best ideas, entrepreneurs and the future of our Black economy at risk.
In collaboration with elected officials and local organizations, this comprehensive effort aims to deploy a multi-million dollar funding strategy to stabilize Oakland’s Black business ecosystem, providing critical infrastructure for future investment and growth, while paving the way for Black entrepreneurs to lead Oakland’s new economic paradigm.
Grants of up to $5,000 to California Black-owned brick and mortar businesses in eligible locations to mitigate the adverse effects of the Coronavirus crisis, rebuilding and development efforts.