Efforts that create high-quality jobs, stimulate economic activity or maintain affordable housing in underinvested areas of the East Bay. We prioritize programs that engage residents in the economic development process whenever possible, as well as organizations that specifically develop jobs for individuals who have challenges to employment.

Microenterprise, worker cooperative and microloan programs that help low-income individuals start and grow small businesses and co-ops in the East Bay.

Capacity building and technical assistance to the local community economic development field.

High-quality jobs created and retained.

New businesses opened, with annual increases in profitability.

Increase in survival rate of businesses over time.

Improvement in household income, credit, savings and debt for microentrepreneurs and co-op worker-owners.