About us
We're the California Small Business Coalition for Racial Justice
As a passionate group of lenders and nonprofits all across California, we believe in creating a level playing field. Our coalition includes local lenders, small business supporters and community-based organizations driving racial justice movements.
Our focus? Lifting up small businesses, especially those run by Black and Brown entrepreneurs. We’re here as allies for those who’ve been left out by the financial system, using what we know and have to fight inequality.
Our mission
Spot the hurdles
By uncovering the obstacles that hold back Black and Brown entrepreneurs, our coalition is shining a light on the systems that need fixing.
Boost access to capital
Taking direct action and teaming up breaks barriers and ensures that funding reaches those who’ve been left out.
Document what we learn
Every bump in the road teaches us something new about managing risk. Lessons are being jotted down and a path is being sketched for others to cruise along.
Engage in policy discussions
More than just talkers, we’re actively engaging in discussions at the local and state levels, and laying the foundation for significant shifts in community lending.
By the numbers
Why we’re standing together.
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California’s small businesses employ almost 50% of the state’s workforce
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1.8 million or 43 percent of California small businesses are owned by a Hispanic or a racial minority
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Between February and April 2020, white business ownership dropped by 17% while Latinx and Black business ownership dropped by 32% and 41%, respectively
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Racial minorities (excluding Hispanic) account for more than a third of workers and own over a quarter of small businesses
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There are 4.2 million small businesses in California, which make up 99.8% of all businesses in the state
Racial economic equity: America’s unfinished business
In a world that prides itself on progress, the lingering presence of racial economic inequity in our communities serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing work that needs to be done.
Racial economic equity isn’t just a term.
It’s a battle cry for those of us unwilling to accept a society where the color of one’s skin determines your cash flow.
At its core, racial economic equity deals with the systemic barriers that keep creating gaps in income, jobs, loan access, housing and wealth among different racial groups. It’s all about challenging a past that’s been leaving Black and Brown communities out in the cold.
It’s not just about moving numbers around or tweaking economic stuff. It’s about taking apart a system of unfairness that’s been going on for ages, and dreaming up a world where every entrepreneur’s vision is supported with the same passion.
The pursuit of racial economic equity is more than just a mental exercise for us.
It’s what fuels our commitment to justice and equality. It’s a call to action for policymakers, community leaders and regular folks to engage in the efforts to establish a fairer, more equitable economy.
By focusing on switching up the structures, systems and institutions that keep racial gaps going, we can start turning the tide of history and ensuring that everyone gets to shine—no matter what.
Come join our movement!
Learn how you can get on board and help us build a future where racial economic equity prevails.
Community-Based Lending using a Racial Equity Lens approach
This lending playbook serves as a roadmap for reimagining our approach to lending, aiming to build a more inclusive financial environment for underserved business owners. It provides lenders with crucial strategies, case studies, and resources needed to create and offer financial products that grant small business owners access to capital for starting or expanding their businesses in a fair and equitable lending environment.
The Power of Coalition Building
This white paper gets into the tough spots that Black and Brown communities hit during the COVID-19 pandemic when it came to getting small business loans. It's all about how CDFIs in California are making moves to level the playing field by rethinking old school loan rules, pushing for fair policies, and making sure minority-owned businesses get a fighting chance.
The Power of Coalition Building
This white paper gets into the tough spots that Black and Brown communities hit during the COVID-19 pandemic when it came to getting small business loans. It's all about how CDFIs in California are making moves to level the playing field by rethinking old school loan rules, pushing for fair policies, and making sure minority-owned businesses get a fighting chance.
The Power of Coalition Building
This white paper gets into the tough spots that Black and Brown communities hit during the COVID-19 pandemic when it came to getting small business loans. It's all about how CDFIs in California are making moves to level the playing field by rethinking old school loan rules, pushing for fair policies, and making sure minority-owned businesses get a fighting chance.
Racial Economic Equity In Small Business Funding
This policy playbook is all about stepping up and helping out Black and Brown entrepreneurs in California by fixing some old issues in the way small businesses get funded. It's like a roadmap for community lenders and nonprofits, showing everyone—from the local banks to policymakers—how we can make things more fair. It's also about breaking down barriers and stirring up some real change, making sure everyone has the same shot at success.
Racial Justice for Small Business
This one-pager is all about celebrating the powerhouse that diverse small businesses bring to our economy, and figuring out how to supercharge their success. Imagine a future where Black- and Latinx-owned businesses thrive equally with their peers, giving our GDP a $4 trillion boost. It’s about time we bring those dreams to life!