Inclusive Action for the City

Communities across #LosAngeles need access to capital to run their businesses, deserve to own and steward land in their neighborhoods, and should be able to exercise power in the political systems that shape their lives. As we enter our 15th year, we’re sharing our three-year strategic plan to invite you into where we are headed and to join us in the journey! We’re focused on three problems affecting underinvested communities, and three interventions we will make to address them: Problem 1: Entrepreneurs and their families are still struggling to access capital and income inequality is increasing.? Intervention 1: Expand our small business lending, stabilize it with supportive infrastructure, and optimize our technical assistance. Problem 2: Capital assets, including land and real estate, are being concentrated in fewer and fewer hands. Intervention 2: Prototype integrated capital approaches - financial, physical, social - that grow wealth and build power for low-income communities. Problem 3: Community members feel powerless in the political systems that shape their lives Intervention 3: Deepen our commitment to policy advocacy to remove red tape, make budgets equitable, and create justice-centered investments.” Will you join us??

Two weeks ago, we were awarded the Emerging Growth CDFI Award from Opportunity Finance Network. Check out this special feature from the Los Angeles Business Journal that explains our unique approach to small business lending, and how we integrate this work with broader systems change in our communities. https://lnkd.in/gSYU3Jy8 Featuring Andrea Avila and Nicole Anand ??

We’re excited to announce that our CEO, Rudy, has been featured in Alta’s latest project in collaboration with Getty for PST ART, celebrating 100 Angelenos driving positive change across LA County. ?? This interactive book and podcast not only highlights these individuals' dedication but aligns deeply with Inclusive Action’s commitment to community and justice. We’re proud to be part of this inspiring community. The Alta exhibition opens at the Central Library on Jan. 13 and runs through April 27, 2025. Discover more about the people shaping Los Angeles' future. https://bit.ly/4fkDBI6

Inclusive Action is seeking a dedicated and experienced Chief Financial Officer to join our team. As we expand our advocacy, lending, and real estate initiatives, we are looking for a financial leader with a strong commitment to economic justice and a proven ability to steward organizational resources effectively. The CFO will play a key role in driving our mission forward, ensuring our financial strategies align with our vision for a more inclusive and equitable economy. Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Express interest in this role by filling out the Talent Profile https://lnkd.in/gGu5uiyE or emailing the search team directly at [email protected] If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you! #hiring #CFOrole #nonprofit #hybridrole #newrole #employment #jobs

We're looking forward to the Small Business Anti-Displacement Network Summit tomorrow to hear from four policy strategists, including Doug Smith, our Director of Policy and Legal Strategy, who have successfully passed funding measures and legislation that enable, support, and scale different community ownership models!

Our raíces de éxito event this afternoon was a great success! Our honest and thoughtful conversations with our comunidad empresarial were uplifting and empowering! Together, we are learning and growing together; honoring the journey, celebrating successes and addressing challenges. Adelante comunidad! Big thank you and shoutout to New Economics for Women Aileen Sierra and Inclusive Action for the City Andrea Avila for their commitment, leadership and partnership. USC Credit Union #financialempowerment #comunidad #emprendedoreslatinos #knowledge #smallbusinesssupport Lilia Covarrubias

Public banks are government-owned, socially responsible financial institutions that allow municipalities to keep public funds for investment locally. Public banking advocates believe that communities of color would especially benefit from this alternative to the private banking system. Join AFN for a discussion about: ?? the benefits of public banking and its potential to build community wealth and meet local needs; ?? the roadmap to establishing a public banking system throughout California; and ?? catalytic philanthropic investment opportunities to make public banking a reality in California. Webinar November 19, 2024 10:00 am - 11:00 am PST Learn more and register: https://loom.ly/R4iOBuU #publicbanking #wealthequity #philanthropy Y & H Soda Foundation Small Business Majority

Exciting news! Since 2021 we have been working with the EOCF @lisc_hq?? to expand our resources to our local communities in LA. The Entrepreneurs of Color Fund (EOCF) has officially surpassed its $500 million small business lending goal— more than two years ahead of schedule! This incredible achievement is helping close capital gaps in communities of color through loans and technical assistance, directly supporting the growth of 9,500 businesses across 10 metro areas. IAC is proud to increase access to capital for diverse entrepreneurs who face challenges with traditional financing. But we’re just getting started! EOCF is expanding to double its impact, aiming to support $1 billion in financing for underserved businesses and communities. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gyu_tw6v

Los Angeles Food Day Series (part 2), Strengthening a Postpandemic Food Retail Economy: On October 17th, LAFPC convened Guerrilla Tacos, Inclusive Action for the City, TMC Capital and KIWA, to dig into the unique experiences, challenges and opportunities of food businesses, especially restaurants over the last several years. Moderated by Eater LA, the experts noted the high price of leasing space and the importance of throughly understanding lease agreements so they become a protective tool for business owners. They highlighted the cost of sourcing high-quality, local products, and investing in employees while trying to maintain price points customers accept. Access to funding sources for various needs while avoiding predatory lending was also discussed. Business empowerment, worker organizing and policy solutions were uplifted with the goal of working towards synergistic solutions through our food retail.

Last week, we were honored to receive two awards for our small business lending work during Opportunity Finance Network’s 40th annual conference. ?????? The first was the “Emerging Growth CDFI Award” that honors CDFIs that have demonstrated exceptional growth and service to their community over the last three years. Swipe left to hear our acceptance speech. The second was the “Lender of the Year” award from our partners at Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Together, we’ve deployed over $2.5 million in micro-loans to entrepreneurs of color over the last two years. We are so grateful for these recognitions and are even more committed to helping our #community access the capital they deserve.