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Women Receive Over Half of ESO Ventures Loans in $3.9 Million Investment Push

Prime Highlights-

  • ESO Ventures deploys nearly $4 million to women entrepreneurs, with women receiving more than half of its 188 loans.
  • Black women entrepreneurs receive 85 of 99 loans made to women, representing more than $3.3 million in capital from ESO.

Key Facts-

  • Women made up 66% of 132 entrepreneurs in ESO programs, which have supported 678 founders overall.
  • ESO funded Jacob’s Ladder Therapies and Royal Emotional Care with $100,000 each to support practice growth.

Background-

The Oakland-based entrepreneurial infrastructure company and community fund manager made 99 of those loans to women, which represents more than $3.9 million in capital.

Black women received 85 of those 99 loans, worth more than $3.3 million.

ESO helps entrepreneurs strengthen their business foundations, prepare for financing and connect with capital that fits their company’s stage. Its model blends business education, guidance, community support and funding access.

Co-founder and CEO Martha Hernández said women founders need knowledge, relationships and access to capital to build sustainable companies, and ESO helps them understand what funders require and make informed growth decisions.

Tametra Johnson, founder and CEO of San Jose-based Jacob’s Ladder Therapies, used $100,000 in financing to hire an additional licensed clinician and create room for school partnerships. Her practice now serves children, teens, adults and families.

Queen Adu-Poku, founder and CEO of Antioch-based Royal Emotional Care, also secured $100,000. Her practice has grown to eight therapists. She has since won 501(c)(3) approval for nonprofit Utile Case Management and Clinical Services and created People of the We, a customer relationship management platform.

Women made up 66% of the 132 entrepreneurs in ESO programs last year, and the organization has supported 678 entrepreneurs overall. It now invites women founders to join its programs and asks municipalities and economic development groups to partner with it.