ESO Ventures

Meet Marion Araque, M.Ed! From her owns words: "By increasing access to capital, we unlock their full potential, leading to more diverse solutions, stronger local economies, and a more inclusive business ecosystem. When women succeed as founders, they reinvest in their communities, mentor the next generation, and drive systemic change. Ensuring that women have the resources they need isn’t just about fairness—it’s about fueling a more prosperous and sustainable future for all."

Since 2009, Kelley Nayo-Jahi has built a career that centers the experience of small business owners. She’s convinced countless folks they could reach their wildest dreams, identified solutions to complicated problems, and guided others to the resources for growth, expansion and sustainability. Whether running her own businesses, teaching entrepreneurship, advising small business owners or leading community engagement as she does at ESO, it brings her great joy to know that she has played a small part in supporting the journey of hundreds of entrepreneurs.

Cities and municipalities play a key role in shaping inclusive environments where Black and Latino entrepreneurs can thrive. Some impactful steps include: - Partnering with community-rooted organizations to co-design business incubators - Allocating targeted funding for historically excluded entrepreneurs - Hosting culturally relevant workshops, roundtables, and resource fairs - Providing access to city-owned spaces for small business programming - Embedding equity into procurement, permitting, and licensing processes At ESO Ventures, we’ve seen how these steps—when implemented thoughtfully—can transform access to opportunity and drive long-term economic growth from the ground up. Want to learn more about what ESO can do in your region? Visit https://zurl.co/qdZB5 #InclusiveEconomies #BlackAndLatinoEntrepreneurs #ESOventures #EquityInAction #SmallBusinessSupport #BuildWhereYouAre

Entrepreneurs need mentors—period. Why? Because the path of building something from scratch is full of unknowns. Mentors help you avoid common pitfalls, challenge your blind spots, and give you real-world insight you won’t find in a textbook or YouTube tutorial. At ESO Ventures, mentorship isn’t a bonus—it’s built into everything we do. Whether it’s through our incubators, workshops, or one-on-one sessions, we make sure every entrepreneur is connected to people who’ve been in their shoes and can help guide the way forward. Because no one builds alone. #MentorshipMatters #ESOventures #BuildWhereYouAre #EntrepreneurshipSupport #BlackAndBrownBusinesses #SmallBusinessGrowth

How are you supporting small businesses in your area? #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #EconomicGrowth

In honor of Women's History Month, ESO is celebrating the stories and contributions of women who are shaping the future of investing and entrepreneurship. We are thrilled that our very own Martha Hernández has authored a chapter in the launch of the first-ever Latina's In VC: Women Investors Guide. This groundbreaking guide will highlight pioneering women and Latina investors in early-stage funding—leaders catalyzing high-growth companies and driving meaningful economic transformation. Martha writes alongside 32 other Latina Partners as we celebrate their incredible achievements and tangible impact by opening new pathways for the next generation of investors and entrepreneurs. We sincerely hope you can utilize this book and that it inspires you to reach out or connect with us as we work to tip the scales of capital. Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters. #silcionvalleybank #libraleaders #internationalwomensday #latinasinvc

Never build alone! It's easier to call all of the shots, to win or lose based on your own merits, but it's so much sweeter to do it with a team. And when you have the right team, you are able to multiply your productivity, your profits, and your purpose. This weekend at West Valley College TEDX I had the support of the people I've been building with the past many years... this is my dream team! My team begins with my wife, Rita Mathew, who I owe everything to. Since she came into my life in 2010... it's been nothing but up... because I have a sounding board... someone who loves me and needs me and puts up with me and believes in me... who can provide health insurance when I'm starting a new business and common sense when I'm too far from the ground! Ben Wanzo and Martha Hernández, SHRM-SCP are my co-founders at ESO Ventures, and together we built a business bigger than we could have alone. When I worked myself into the hospital nearly 3 years ago, my business partners carried the business forward... a humble lesson... you do not really have a business until it can operate without you... and now ESO has a life of it's own. I am grateful to have their continued support as I explore new markets and new models, and ultimately expand our entrepreneurial ecosystem. Amy Chan and Alfred Solis are the founding team for SPCC.1, my new business focused on creating a network of shared service cooperatives I call community corporations... so that groups of small businesses in fragmented industries can work as a group to go after multi-million dollar contracts and growth capital... and compete against monopolies. When I sent them the text last Spring, they each said yes... knowing this was a concept that needs to be made real... ambiguity that needs definition. It's incredible to have talented people around you who make you better... and have fun doing it. A special thank you to Eric Grabiel, Dean School of Professional Studies and President Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D. at West Valley College for the opportunity to present one big idea worth sharing. WVC was one of my first clients when I launched Working World LLC and a great partner for ESO with our community college cohorts over the past 4 years. It is a great school with a talented staff... thank you for having me. We never have to build alone... and if we do... the vision ends when we end... If we want legacy we need to give up control, we need to share the prosperity, and we need to build for the next generation. I am very grateful to have such good people in my corner! #teamwork #legacy #sharedprosperity #startupecosystem #tedx

By 2045, the U.S. will be a majority-minority nation, yet the racial wealth gap is expected to widen, not shrink. If current trends continue, Black and Latino median wealth could approach zero, further deepening economic inequality. At ESO Ventures, we believe entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful ways to reverse this trajectory. Small business ownership is a key driver of wealth creation, yet Black and Brown entrepreneurs face systemic barriers to capital, networks, and resources. Without intentional investment in equitable entrepreneurship ecosystems, the gap will continue to grow. When entrepreneurs of color have access to funding, mentorship, and business support, they don’t just build businesses—they create jobs, circulate wealth within communities, and foster long-term economic stability. This is why ESO is committed to providing alternative funding solutions and hands-on support that empower founders to build generational wealth on their own terms. The question isn’t whether entrepreneurship can close the wealth gap—it’s whether we will invest in making it possible. Let’s make sure we do. How can we ensure entrepreneurship remains a pathway to equity? Let’s discuss. https://zurl.co/YBjWB #EconomicJustice #Entrepreneurship #RacialWealthGap #InclusiveEconomy #SmallBusiness

Venture capital isn’t the only—or even the best—path to funding for many entrepreneurs. The reality is that most small businesses don’t fit the high-growth, high-exit model that VCs seek. Yet, access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers for entrepreneurs, especially Black and Latino founders who are systematically underfunded. At ESO Ventures, we’re changing that narrative by offering alternative capital solutions that meet entrepreneurs where they are. Instead of forcing founders into a model that doesn’t serve their business, we provide funding that is flexible, accessible, and designed for long-term success. Why Alternative Capital Matters: Equitable Access – Traditional funding often overlooks small business owners, particularly those from underserved communities. Alternative capital ensures more entrepreneurs get a fair shot. Sustainable Growth – Not every business needs to scale at VC speed. Many entrepreneurs want to build profitable, community-rooted businesses that create generational wealth. Less Risk, More Ownership – Venture funding often means giving up equity and control. Alternative financing options, like revenue-based investment, grants, and low-interest loans, let founders grow without sacrificing their vision. ESO Ventures has already distributed over $6 Million in funding to small businesses, ensuring they have the capital to scale on their own terms. If we truly want an inclusive economy, we need to rethink how we invest in entrepreneurs. Let’s build a future where capital works for founders—not the other way around. Have alternative funding models worked for your business? Drop a comment below, we'd love to hear from you! #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessFunding #AlternativeCapital #InclusiveEconomy

Small businesses aren’t just storefronts—they are the backbone of local economies. They create jobs, circulate wealth within communities, and foster innovation at a grassroots level. Yet, many entrepreneurs, especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds, face significant barriers to accessing capital, resources, and support. Local governments have a unique opportunity to change this. Investing in small business and entrepreneurship development isn’t just good policy—it’s a direct investment in economic resilience and community well-being. Here’s why: - Job Creation & Economic Growth – Small businesses generate two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. When cities support entrepreneurs, they strengthen their workforce and reduce unemployment. - Wealth Building in Communities – When local businesses thrive, more money stays in the community. This creates a multiplier effect, boosting neighborhood stability and homeownership rates. - Diversity & Innovation – Supporting entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities fosters new ideas, industries, and economic inclusion. Cities benefit when they remove barriers for Black, Brown, and immigrant entrepreneurs. - Stronger Social Fabric – Small businesses bring life to downtowns, create gathering spaces, and reflect the culture of a city. Investing in them builds a sense of place and belonging. Cities that prioritize small business development—through grants, incubators, technical assistance, and equitable procurement policies—position themselves for long-term economic sustainability. The return on investment? A thriving local economy that benefits everyone. It’s time for local governments to move beyond rhetoric and commit to real investment in the small businesses that make our communities stronger. Interested in partnering with ESO to help make entrepreneurship more accessible? Visit us at https://zurl.co/K72Gg #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #LocalEconomy #EconomicDevelopment