How much funding does WEPOWER Capital Fund provide?

WEPOWER Capital Fund provides $1.5 million (total fund size; individual investment amounts vary) in funding.

When is the deadline for WEPOWER Capital Fund?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

WEPOWER Capital Fund

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Funding Amount

$1.5 million (total fund size; individual investment amounts vary)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

WEPOWER Capital Fund

Status: Active investment fund launched August 2021

Geographic Scope: North St. Louis City (with regional focus)

Focus Areas:

Black and Latinx entrepreneur support

Community wealth building

Economic growth in historically divested communities

Small business lending and investment

Program Details:

Total Fund Size: $1.5 million

Major Funder: Living Cities ($500,000 investment)

Fund Administration Partner: Mission Driven Finance

Fund Model: Revenue-based repayment structure (not traditional fixed installments)

Investment Structure: Keeps ownership and control with entrepreneurs; uses holistic underwriting approach

Key Features:

Founder-Friendly: More flexible than traditional loans

Barrier Reduction: Eliminates collateral requirements and minimum credit score thresholds

Underwriting Approach: Holistic assessment beyond traditional metrics

Community Benefit: Percentage of returns owned/managed by surrounding community; remainder preserves fund legacy

Hiring Requirements: Business owners commit to hiring in generationally disinvested areas and providing living wages

Target Businesses:

Black and Latinx-owned businesses

Strong growth trajectory

Commitment to North St. Louis City

Various industries

Eligibility Requirements:

Black and Latinx entrepreneurs

Businesses showing strong growth trajectory

Preference for those committed to North St. Louis City

Companies with viable business models

Application/Investment Process:

Applications reviewed by WEPOWER Capital team

Holistic underwriting process

Revenue-based repayment structure determined

Founder-friendly terms offered

Technical assistance and valuable connections provided

Organization: WEPOWER

Contact: Yoni Blumberg, VP of Community Wealth Building of WEPOWER

Note: Fund designed to address systemic barriers Black and Latinx entrepreneurs face (higher denial rates, lower capital amounts, higher interest rates)

How to Apply

Application Process

Note: Specific application steps not detailed in provided content. Based on fund description:

1. Submit Application
- Contact WEPOWER Capital team
- Provide business information and financial details
- Undergo holistic underwriting review

2. Underwriting Review
- Holistic assessment of business viability
- No minimum credit score requirement
- No collateral requirement
- Review of growth trajectory and business plan

3. Terms Negotiation
- Revenue-based repayment structure discussed
- Founder-friendly terms offered
- Technical assistance package outlined

4. Investment Decision
- Fund approval
- Capital deployment
- Ongoing support and connection provision