Building Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Regional Joint Venture (Round 8)
This public-private initiative was created to empower and train entrepreneurs of color from underserved communities across the state of California. In partnership with 6 San Francisco Bay Area Community Colleges, the program recruits, trains, empowers, and provides access to capital for entrepreneurs who want to achieve the California Dream — owning, operating, and growing a successful small business.
EEE RJV R8 Initiative
College Partners
Project Partner
Supporting Partner
Purpose
The EEE RJV R8 Initiative builds on the success of EEE RJV R6, continuing to empower Black and Brown entrepreneurs from underserved communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through a FREE 4-week pre-incubator and a FREE 8-week incubator programs, culturally competent training, access to capital, and business support, the initiative equips entrepreneurs to own, operate, and grow successful small businesses, fostering economic equity and lasting community impact.
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Establish an enrollment pipeline for entrepreneurs into community college business courses.
Support business creation, expansion, and access to capital.
Provide culturally competent, bilingual training tailored to the unique needs of underserved entrepreneurs.
Foster collaboration between educational institutions and communities to drive economic equity and growth.
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Entrepreneurs of color from underserved communities across Bay Area, California.
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Six Community Colleges within Bay Area
Faculty Members and Academic Leadership
Work-based Learning Partners collaborating with the colleges
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Enrollment pipeline/on-ramp to existing community college business courses
Business creation and expansion
Access to capital for prepared entrepreneurs
Successful marketing and data tracking for all participants
Key Components
Spanish and Bilingual Support
Culturally competent training delivered in Spanish and bilingual formats to promote inclusivity and accessibility for participants from diverse backgrounds.
Marketing and Recruitment
Targeted outreach efforts designed to recruit participants from underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to the program.
FREE Pre-Incubator and Incubator Programs
A two-phase training program, including a 4-week pre-incubator for foundational skills and business planning, followed by an 8-week incubator focused on advanced skills.
Faculty and Participant Assistance
Ongoing mentorship and technical assistance provided to both faculty and participants. This ensures smooth program delivery and equips participants with the necessary support.
Access to Capital
Support for prepared entrepreneurs to secure funding needed to establish, grow, and sustain their businesses.
Growth Summits and Virtual Convenings
In-person Growth Summits foster networking and entrepreneurial celebration. Monthly Virtual Convenings prepare entrepreneurs for accessing capital.
Why This Matters
The EEE RJV R8 Initiative expands its impact by addressing the unique challenges faced by Black and Brown entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Through enhanced pre-incubator and incubator programs, bilingual support, and virtual convenings focused on capital access, this phase provides entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to achieve sustainable growth. By deepening collaboration with colleges and local entrepreneurial communities, the initiative continues to drive economic equity and foster thriving, resilient communities.
