The numbers tell a striking story about where early-stage capital actually flows: of the 188 loans ESO Ventures has made, more than half went to women — and 85 of those 99 loans supported Black women founders. That allocation, totaling over $3.3 million, comes into focus during National Women’s Small Business Month as the Oakland-based entrepreneurial infrastructure company highlights a track record that runs counter to broader funding disparities.
Martha Hernández, co-founder and CEO of ESO Ventures, said the organization’s work is rooted in a simple premise: encouragement alone doesn’t build businesses. “Women entrepreneurs need more than encouragement,” Hernández said. “They need the knowledge, relationships and access to capital required to build sustainable companies. ESO helps founders strengthen their businesses, understand what funders require and make informed decisions about growth.”
Women have received more than half of the loans in ESO’s portfolio, with Black women receiving 85 of the 99 loans made to women
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ESO’s model pairs practical business education with individualized guidance, community support and financing designed to match a company’s stage and needs. The goal is to help founders move from operationally focused day-to-day management to strategic, sustainable growth.
For Tametra Johnson, founder and CEO of San Jose-based Jacob’s Ladder Therapies, that support translated into a $100,000 infusion that allowed her to hire an additional licensed clinician and create bandwidth to pursue school partnerships. “ESO Ventures’ investment helped me move from managing the day-to-day demands of a practice to building intentionally for its future,” Johnson said. “The financing gave me room to invest in my team and pursue new opportunities, while the incubator helped me strengthen my business plan, clarify my goals and create a structure to support sustainable growth. That support helped lay the groundwork for the practice we are today.”
Jacob’s Ladder Therapies now serves children, teens, adults and families — including neurodivergent individuals, educators and veterans — through individual and family therapy, parent education, and school and workplace wellness programs.
The same $100,000 level of financing went to Queen Adu-Poku, founder and CEO of Antioch-based Royal Emotional Care. Her practice has grown to a team of eight therapists — four fully licensed clinicians and four associate therapists — expanding capacity to serve individuals, couples and families. “ESO has provided invaluable support to my growing group mental health therapy practice,” Adu-Poku said. “The incubator program provided comprehensive information, resources, and guidance that helped me transition from thinking primarily as a clinician and practice owner to embracing a broader entrepreneurial mindset. That shift has helped me think differently about growth, infrastructure, innovation, community impact, and what is possible.”
Adu-Poku has extended that vision beyond her practice, earning 501(c)(3) approval for Utile Case Management and Clinical Services, a nonprofit aimed at broadening access to clinical services, education and workforce development. She also launched People of the We, a customer relationship management platform designed to help therapists and group practices integrate technology while preserving human connection.
The trajectories of Jacob’s Ladder Therapies and Royal Emotional Care underscore how capital combined with education and trusted guidance can help entrepreneurs create jobs, strengthen operations and expand essential community services.
Women made up 66% of the 132 entrepreneurs who participated in ESO programs in 2025. Across its history, ESO has supported 678 entrepreneurs through programs designed to help founders build stronger companies where they live and work.
During National Women’s Small Business Month, ESO is calling on women entrepreneurs to explore its business-building and capital-readiness programs. The organization is also inviting municipalities, economic development organizations and community partners to collaborate on expanding access to entrepreneurial infrastructure.
Women entrepreneurs can learn more or apply at this PROGRAM LINK. Municipalities and economic development organizations interested in partnership opportunities can visit the PARTNERSHIP LINK.
Why it matters: ESO Ventures’ loan data offers a concrete counterpoint to the persistent funding gaps facing women — especially Black women — in entrepreneurship. When capital is paired with structured education and trusted guidance, founders in underserved communities can scale operations, hire clinicians, and build infrastructure that extends well beyond their own practices.
About ESO Ventures
Based in Oakland, California, ESO Ventures is an entrepreneurial infrastructure company and community fund manager that equips entrepreneurs with the education, support and capital needed to build sustainable businesses. Through its Entrepreneurial Infrastructure Stack, ESO also works with community partners to create scalable systems for entrepreneurial growth. Its “Build Where You Are” approach reflects the organization’s commitment to helping entrepreneurs access the resources and opportunities they need within their communities.
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Martha Hernandez
ESO VENTURES
info@eso-ventures.com
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