Accelerate Your Business Growth.

Build the competence, confidence, and community you need to stop guessing and start growing.

Submit Your Interest Form

The City of Oakland x ESO Ventures Green Business Accelerator

The City of Oakland, ESO Ventures, OakStop, and Rising Sun have come together to launch this first-of-its-kind accelerator designed to strengthen small businesses through community, collective learning, and access to real economic opportunity, including eligibility to apply for up to $100,000 through ESO’s Capital in the Community Fund (CICF).

This program is for Oakland-based entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least 12 months, generate $20,000 or more in annual revenue, and are ready to grow through community and access to capital, with priority given to Black, Latino, and underinvested founders. Ideal applicants are aligned with Oakland’s commitment to equity and climate action and are interested in sustainability, green jobs, and public-sector opportunities.

Submit Your Interest Form

Why Entrepreneurs

Choose ESO

Entrepreneurs turn to ESO because they want a partner that helps them move forward with purpose. With the Entrepreneur Infrastructure Stack, you get a proven system of structure, support, and capital that transforms everyday effort into meaningful growth.

Funding That Works for Real Entrepreneurs

With over $7M in capital deployed since 2023, ESO’s Capital in the Community Fund offers clear, accessible pathways to business-building capital.  And through our Handshake Manifesto, we help you invest in your business without giving up ownership or taking on predatory debt.  Build your legacy, not your stress levels.

A Proven Pathway to Power

Questions? We’ve Got You.

  • ESO business incubators are completely free for participating entrepreneurs. Our partners and sponsors, such as a California municipality, a community college, or, in some cases, ESO, cover the cost from their operating budget.

  • You do not need to be Black or Latino to participate, but the ESO curriculum, community and resources are designed for Black, Latino, and underinvested entrepreneurs. We are intentional about creating safe spaces for people from communities like East Oakland to collaborate, share space, and support each other.

  • If you have multiple businesses and would like to participate in different incubator cohorts for your different businesses, that is fine. However, you will have to apply and be successfully admitted to each incubator separately.

  • Only entrepreneurs who have completed an ESO Incubator Program have access to the Capital in the Community Fund.

  • No. ESO is a for-profit business in the entrepreneurial support services industry. Our focus is on creating inclusive economies that work for everyone. Financial sustainability based on shared prosperity is at the core of our mission.

  • We do not provide funding to businesses that directly compete with our organization's mission, vision, and values (i.e., direct competitors). We also do not provide funding to non-profits.