Start your entrepreneurial journey with ESO Ventures and Merritt College!

In partnership with Merritt College, ESO Ventures’ Create Business Incubator is here to help you grow your early-stage business into a scalable, revenue-generating enterprise. This program is designed for entrepreneurs who are either just starting out and building their business foundations or have already generated up to $10,000 in revenue. We offer a FREE 8-week incubator for those looking to accelerate growth. Through our collaboration with local community colleges, we bring essential entrepreneurial support directly to you. Apply below!

Incubator Criteria Checklist

Produced up to $10,000 in revenue

Looking to grow your business

Based in the Bay Area

Incubator Schedule

Spring 2025

About ESO

Local neighborhoods are the lifeblood of our communities. They’re also where small businesses can drive true social impact. At ESO, we work to uplift the folks investing in impact through local entrepreneurship, promoting economic equity and prosperity with the power of small business.

ESO—an acronym for Entrepreneurial Support Organization and a nod to our birthplace (East Side Oakland)—may have roots in the Bay Area, but we partner with entrepreneurs across the entire state of California. Our team members leverage their diverse skills and strengths to ensure every entrepreneur in our ecosystem receives well-rounded, practical, and strategic support. From seasoned marketing strategists to financial wizards, every member of ESO is committed to your business expansion and holistic, professional growth.

ESO invests in our communities

ESO Ventures was created by and for entrepreneurs in Black and Brown communities. We aim to build collective prosperity with a two-pronged approach, investing in both the collective and its unique individuals. 

Get Funded

After completing the incubator program entrepreneurs will qualify for the Capital in the Community Fund (CICF). This is a fund for entrepreneurs managed by ESO Ventures with investments from $5,000 - $100,000.

  • Forever Forward

    $Min/$Max Finance Amount

    $5,000 - $10,000

    Term Financing Fund

    0% Finance Rate

    Payback after 3 months

  • Golden Ticket

    $ Min/$ Max Finance Amount

    $10,000 - $50,000

    Term Financing Fund

    5% Finance Rate

    Payback after 3 months

  • Financial Freedom

    $ Min/$ Max Finance Amount

    $50,000 - $100,000

    Term Financing Fund

    7% Finance Rate

    Payback after 3 months

The Create Business Incubator, launched in collaboration with Bay Area Community College Consortium (BACCC), supports aspiring local entrepreneurs across a range of Northern California counties. Together, we’re working to create a more equitable, accessible business landscape that uplifts individuals and fuels communal benefit.