Let’s Build Community Wealth & Power
BIPOC Entrepreneurs are powerful engines of change who play a major role in building a more equitable economy, yet they face disproportionate challenges establishing and scaling vibrant businesses.
REAL People's Fund was built on the belief that capital and community power are inseparable. Rooted in the work of REAL People's Organizing Collective – a movement of working class, Black and Brown small businesses and cooperatives organizing to build power in Oakland – we combine restorative capital, individualized business advising, and powerbuilding to support businesses as anchors of community wealth and as part of a broader movement for economic justice in Oakland.
Approval rates for loans
or lines of credit were 17% Less for minority business-owners than white business-owners.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
The first step is getting into relationship with REAL People's Organizing Collective.
Complete the intake form to get connected with an organizer.
Then, organizers will connect businesses that are seeking funding to Uptima Entrepreneur Cooperative.
Together, we'll determine the right next step – whether that's applying for a loan, starting with pre-capital advising to build loan readiness, or connecting you with other resources if REAL People's Fund isn't the right fit at this time.
Not every business is ready for funding right away. Many entrepreneurs begin with pre-capital advising to strengthen financial systems, business planning, and loan readiness before applying for a loan. Participating in advising does not guarantee funding, but it can help you prepare for the application and underwriting process.
LOAN OVERVIEW
*Our profit share equity program is currently paused. Please fill out the form below if you'd like to receive updates about our product offerings.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We are looking for businesses that are rooted in Oakland's communities and ready to grow in reciprocal relationship with us. The criteria below are an honest picture of what we require to do this work well together. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee funding.
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These are our basic eligibility requirements.
You are a business owner at least 18 years old.
Your business is located in Oakland or primarily serves Oakland communities.
Your business is a for-profit legal entity, such as a limited liability company, corporation, or cooperative.
Neither you nor your business are currently in foreclosure, bankruptcy, or under unresolved liens.
Citizenship status, criminal record, and credit score are not used to determine eligibility
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We are looking for businesses whose work is part of something larger.
Your business has a meaningful connection to the Oakland community through who you employ, who you serve, the neighborhood you anchor, and/or your participation in civic and organizing activities.
Your business is committed to strengthening community voice and power to support the success and long-term community wealth in BIPOC communities in Oakland.
Your business helps build wealth that stays in the community, creates quality jobs in low-income communities, or hires people facing barriers to employment.
You are ready to engage with REAL People's Organizing Collective's powerbuilding work and see your business as part of a broader movement toward economic justice in Oakland.
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This is a real partnership, and it requires consistent engagement from you.
You are ready to participate in our full program – at minimum quarterly engagement with REAL People’s Organizing Collective’s powerbuilding activities, regular business advising, and quarterly business and financial updates.
You do what you say you will do, respond when contacted, and show up consistently.
You communicate honestly about the health of your business , including when things are hard.
You are open to feedback and see advising as a resource, not just a requirement for funding.
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Your business needs to be established and moving toward growth.
Your business has been operating and generating revenue for at least one year. We do not fund pre-revenue or startup businesses.
We do not fund freelancer or solopreneur businesses. Your business must be actively working toward bringing on paid workers or already operating with paid workers.
Funding will be used to support business growth and retention. Funding may not be used to supplement personal income or cover personal expenses.
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You need to be able to show us how your business is doing financially.
You have a dedicated business bank account and keep business and personal finances separate.
You can provide historical financial statements from the previous year and year-to-date, a business plan, and financial projections grounded in actual performance.
Your business does not carry existing debt that would make additional loan repayment unmanageable. All existing debt must be disclosed.
*BIPOC includes Black, Indigenous, Spanish-speaking/Latine, Asian/AAPI, low income, immigrant, undocumented, formerly-incarcerated and working-class communities of color.
INVEST IN THE MOVEMENT
INVEST IN THE MOVEMENT
We’re not just envisioning a more equitable or inclusive economy – we’re actively building one.
BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT THAT’S BUILDING AN ECONOMIC FUTURE ROOTED IN JUSTICE, EQUITY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND CARE.
This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. The offering is made solely by the REAL People’s Fund’s Offering Memorandum, which can be found at the link above. The offering is being made solely to accredited investors as that term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933.
