Our Programming
Solidarity Circle
We believe integrating a practice of healing justice is necessary to reimagine our local economy. Our small business solidarity circles are heart-centered spaces that tend to the personal and interpersonal issues that arise in the entrepreneurial and cooperative journey.
By holding space for stories and experiences, our shared narratives allow us to breakthrough feelings of isolation within our community and identify themes practice, learning, and solutions.
Learning Labs
Learning together is how we shape our movement agenda and political strategy. Learning Labs is a space where our community can move beyond an individualized perspective and towards collective approach necessary for a values-driven base. These spaces deepen the political and social analysis of small businesses while sharing alternative strategies and solutions to act upon in order to address social inequities caused by exploitative and supremacist systems.
In this year, our Learning Labs have included topics that explore organizing for affordable commercial spaces, de-escalation, and non-police alternatives for community safety.
The REAL People’s Organizing Collective
Led by the voices of small businesses + co-ops, the REAL People’s Organizing Collective is a membership-based political home to mobilize campaigns that address the top needs of our community and develop pathways towards economic empowerment and democracy, starting in Oakland.
RPOC is space to practice + uphold the values of a care-based economy, versus economic practices based in exploitation of workers and individual gain. This work will allow us to create resources for our community that actually meet our needs, and reimagine our economic relationships to each other.
REAL People’s Fund
REAL People’s Fund is a community-powered fund and entrepreneurship program targeting a $10M raise. Our program includes non-extractive capital, holistic business support, and opportunities to build political power for BIPOC* entrepreneurs in East Bay communities.
We are part of a movement to build collective wealth and decision-making power in our communities while working towards a restorative and inclusive economy.
Our Impact & Victories
2024-2025 Mid-Cycle Budget
$1.5M
funding for community safety ambassadors
Passed first co-op legislation in Economic Film Initiative
2023-2025 Budget
$600K
funding to save Oakland arts and culture
$400K
grant funding for small business Facade and Tenant Improvements
$200K