ESO Ventures’ cover photo
ESO Ventures

ESO Ventures

Business Consulting and Services

Oakland, California 1,613 followers

Build Where You Are

About us

ESO Ventures Inc. was born as a new model for economic development that places entrepreneurship at the center, not at the periphery, of wealth building. We are committed to creating economic prosperity for business enterprises in traditionally underserved and underinvested communities where the primary owners reflect the community of the neighborhood in which they live. We believe that empowering people, especially Black and Brown working adults within local communities to build businesses results in job creation, closing of racial wealth gaps, civic engagement, and shared prosperity. ESO Ventures Inc. is an entrepreneurial support organization providing the confidence, competence, and capital for any Black or Brown person to become an entrepreneur. ESO’s big goal is to establish a business every day for the next 10 years creating over $3B in revenue and 60,000 new jobs in underinvested communities. ESO sells curriculum, business incubation services, and financial products for early stage entrepreneurs. ESO specializes in incubating and funding business and creating an equitable ecosystem of support for entrepreneurs who lack the resources and the capital to launch and grow successful employer enterprises. In 2021, ESO Ventures Inc. launched the ESO Capital in the Community Fund (CICF) with an $8M award from the State of California. This California Benefit Corporation was formed to provide the first investment in community-based Black and Brown-led businesses with non-dilutive, low-interest, non-asset-based loans ranging in size from $5,000-$100,000. These innovative financing products address the unique needs of ESO businesses and provide financing using nontraditional or alternative methods of funding.

Industry
Business Consulting and Services
Company size
2-10 employees
Headquarters
Oakland, California
Type
Privately Held
Founded
2020

Locations

Employees at ESO Ventures

Updates

  • By 2045, the U.S. will be a majority-minority nation, yet the racial wealth gap is expected to widen, not shrink. If current trends continue, Black and Latino median wealth could approach zero, further deepening economic inequality. At ESO Ventures, we believe entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful ways to reverse this trajectory. Small business ownership is a key driver of wealth creation, yet Black and Brown entrepreneurs face systemic barriers to capital, networks, and resources. Without intentional investment in equitable entrepreneurship ecosystems, the gap will continue to grow. When entrepreneurs of color have access to funding, mentorship, and business support, they don’t just build businesses—they create jobs, circulate wealth within communities, and foster long-term economic stability. This is why ESO is committed to providing alternative funding solutions and hands-on support that empower founders to build generational wealth on their own terms. The question isn’t whether entrepreneurship can close the wealth gap—it’s whether we will invest in making it possible. Let’s make sure we do. How can we ensure entrepreneurship remains a pathway to equity? Let’s discuss. https://zurl.co/YBjWB #EconomicJustice #Entrepreneurship #RacialWealthGap #InclusiveEconomy #SmallBusiness

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  • Venture capital isn’t the only—or even the best—path to funding for many entrepreneurs. The reality is that most small businesses don’t fit the high-growth, high-exit model that VCs seek. Yet, access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers for entrepreneurs, especially Black and Latino founders who are systematically underfunded. At ESO Ventures, we’re changing that narrative by offering alternative capital solutions that meet entrepreneurs where they are. Instead of forcing founders into a model that doesn’t serve their business, we provide funding that is flexible, accessible, and designed for long-term success. Why Alternative Capital Matters: Equitable Access – Traditional funding often overlooks small business owners, particularly those from underserved communities. Alternative capital ensures more entrepreneurs get a fair shot. Sustainable Growth – Not every business needs to scale at VC speed. Many entrepreneurs want to build profitable, community-rooted businesses that create generational wealth. Less Risk, More Ownership – Venture funding often means giving up equity and control. Alternative financing options, like revenue-based investment, grants, and low-interest loans, let founders grow without sacrificing their vision. ESO Ventures has already distributed over $6 Million in funding to small businesses, ensuring they have the capital to scale on their own terms. If we truly want an inclusive economy, we need to rethink how we invest in entrepreneurs. Let’s build a future where capital works for founders—not the other way around. Have alternative funding models worked for your business? Drop a comment below, we'd love to hear from you! #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessFunding #AlternativeCapital #InclusiveEconomy

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  • Small businesses aren’t just storefronts—they are the backbone of local economies. They create jobs, circulate wealth within communities, and foster innovation at a grassroots level. Yet, many entrepreneurs, especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds, face significant barriers to accessing capital, resources, and support. Local governments have a unique opportunity to change this. Investing in small business and entrepreneurship development isn’t just good policy—it’s a direct investment in economic resilience and community well-being. Here’s why: - Job Creation & Economic Growth – Small businesses generate two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. When cities support entrepreneurs, they strengthen their workforce and reduce unemployment. - Wealth Building in Communities – When local businesses thrive, more money stays in the community. This creates a multiplier effect, boosting neighborhood stability and homeownership rates. - Diversity & Innovation – Supporting entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities fosters new ideas, industries, and economic inclusion. Cities benefit when they remove barriers for Black, Brown, and immigrant entrepreneurs. - Stronger Social Fabric – Small businesses bring life to downtowns, create gathering spaces, and reflect the culture of a city. Investing in them builds a sense of place and belonging. Cities that prioritize small business development—through grants, incubators, technical assistance, and equitable procurement policies—position themselves for long-term economic sustainability. The return on investment? A thriving local economy that benefits everyone. It’s time for local governments to move beyond rhetoric and commit to real investment in the small businesses that make our communities stronger. Interested in partnering with ESO to help make entrepreneurship more accessible? Visit us at https://zurl.co/K72Gg #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #LocalEconomy #EconomicDevelopment

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  • For many Black and Latino entrepreneurs, starting a business isn't just about passion—it’s a necessity. Systemic barriers to employment, access to capital, and economic mobility mean entrepreneurship is often the best path to financial stability and community impact. At ESO Ventures, we provide the resources, funding, and mentorship to help underserved founders turn necessity into opportunity. If you're building something for your future, we’re here to help. Let's create lasting change, together. Learn more at www.eso-ventures.com #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #EconomicMobility #ESOVentures

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  • Stronger Local Economies Start with Collaboration At ESO Ventures, we know that true economic growth happens when local governments and community-driven organizations work together to break down barriers and create pathways for entrepreneurship. By partnering with city and county leaders, we can co-create solutions that: Provide access to capital for small business owners Develop incubator programs tailored to local needs Support Black and Latino entrepreneurs in historically underserved communities Foster job creation and economic mobility When local governments invest in small businesses, they invest in the future of their communities—more thriving storefronts, more local jobs, and a stronger, more resilient economy. We’re ready to build. Let’s work together to empower local businesses and drive economic growth—one partnership at a time. Interested in working with ESO? Visit https://zurl.co/GkKiE #ESOventures #EconomicGrowth #SmallBusinessSuccess #BuildWhereYouAre #PublicPrivatePartnerships

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  • Black and Latino entrepreneurs aren’t just business owners—they’re economic drivers, job creators, and innovators shaping the future of our communities and country. These businesses generate billions in revenue annually and provide millions of jobs, yet they continue to face disproportionate barriers to funding and resources. When we invest in Black and Latino entrepreneurs, we invest in the economy as a whole. Studies show that increasing equitable access to capital and business support could add millions of jobs and trillions of dollars to the U.S. economy. More thriving businesses mean stronger local economies, greater community development, and more opportunities for everyone. At ESO Ventures, we’re committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring Black and Latino entrepreneurs have the resources they need to start, scale, and sustain their businesses. Because when these businesses thrive, we all thrive.

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  • Funding Fuels Growth: Why Access to Capital is the #1 Barrier for Black & Latino Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurship has the power to transform communities, create generational wealth, and drive economic growth—but for Black and Latino founders, the biggest roadblock isn’t talent or ambition, it’s access to capital. Black and Latino entrepreneurs receive significantly less funding compared to their white counterparts. Whether through bank loans, venture capital, or small business grants, systemic barriers continue to limit access to the resources needed to start and scale successful businesses. Without sufficient funding, businesses struggle to grow, hire, and expand, impacting not only individual entrepreneurs but also the broader economy. Research shows that closing the racial wealth gap in business ownership could add trillions to the U.S. economy and create millions of jobs. At ESO Ventures, we are working to change this by providing capital, coaching, and connections to help Black and Latino entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses. When these businesses thrive, communities strengthen, local economies grow, and opportunities expand for all. Bridging the funding gap is not just about individual success—it is a necessary step toward a more equitable and prosperous economy. #ESOventures #AccessToCapital #SupportBlackAndLatinoEntrepreneurs #EconomicEquity #InclusiveFunding

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  • Filing business taxes can be a daunting task, but proper preparation makes all the difference! It begins with organizing your income and expenses for the year, followed by preparing accurate financial statements. Finally, you'll need to file the correct tax schedule based on your business entity type. Each step is essential to ensuring the financial health and long-term success of your business. If you are looking for assistance in approaching your business taxes this year, get your ticket to ESO's webinar today! https://zurl.co/RKhtZ

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  • Celebrating Black History, Supporting Black Futures Black-owned businesses are more than just enterprises—they are pillars of our communities, sources of innovation, and drivers of economic equity. This Black History Month, let's not only celebrate the past but invest in the future by supporting Black entrepreneurs. At ESO Ventures, we are committed to uplifting Black-owned businesses by providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help them thrive. From our incubator programs to our Capital in the Community Fund, we’re working to create a more inclusive economy where Black business owners have access to the opportunities they deserve. The best way to celebrate is to show your support!

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  • Preparing to file business taxes could be challenging! It all starts with organizing this year’s income and expenses, followed by proper financial statements; then finally filing the proper tax schedule based on your entity type. These are all pivotal parts of growing and maintaining the health of your business. Join ESO Ventures for our inaugural Tax Preparation and Accurate Filing Webinar where we will empower you to feel confident with preparing your business to file its taxes. The webinar will provide participants with actionable insights into federal tax requirements, compliance strategies, and deadlines specific to their business structures, such as LLC’s, S-Corps, C-Corps, and Partnerships. As well as, provide actionable insights for minimizing tax liabilities while adhering to legal standards. *Note* The Target Audience for this webinar is established businesses with revenue streams from $100K - $1M+ You can grab your ticket here: https://zurl.co/RcA41

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