The East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) is expanding its Small Business Resiliency Fund to provide more flexible financial support for neighborhood businesses across the East Bay. The initiative aims to address a major funding gap by delivering grants to small businesses at critical moments when traditional financing may not be the right solution.
Created in partnership with Kaiser Permanente, the Oakland Small Business Resiliency Fund was developed to support local entrepreneurs and strengthen community-based economic growth. During its pilot phase, nearly 500 businesses applied for funding, requesting more than $11 million. The program distributed $2.2 million in grants to 170 businesses, highlighting the significant unmet demand for accessible small business capital.
The foundation’s approach focuses on providing grants rather than additional debt. Many small businesses continue to face financial pressure following recent economic challenges, making new loans difficult to manage. Grant funding provides business owners with flexible resources to stabilize operations, maintain jobs, and continue serving their communities.
EBCF also serves as an intermediary, helping funders and financial institutions reach small businesses more effectively. By managing administrative requirements, compliance, and grant distribution, the foundation creates a streamlined pathway for organizations seeking to invest in local economic development.
The fund has supported businesses that play a vital role in neighborhood stability, including community-focused enterprises such as restaurants, wellness providers, and cooperative businesses. These organizations contribute to local employment, community services, and economic resilience.
Building on lessons from the pilot program, EBCF plans to create a larger regional fund serving businesses across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The next phase will combine grant funding with technical assistance, business advising, and training to provide entrepreneurs with more comprehensive support.
The expanded initiative aims to raise $5 million to reach more businesses and strengthen pathways to long-term wealth creation. Through flexible capital and community-based support, EBCF hopes to build a more inclusive and resilient regional economy where small businesses can continue to grow and support the communities they serve.
