We are building the tools that our communities need to create a vibrant economic future.

At the root of this, is the necessary work of creating radically accessible and inclusive pathways for collective wealth and determination with our people.

Revolutionizing our economy for all local people requires all of us. We organize with a coalition of movement leaders to ensure Oakland businesses,  entrepreneurs, and cooperatives of color can be the economic, political and cultural change makers our community needs. 

Our work is grounded in the understanding that we are taking on the extractive capitalist system that is not made for us. And we are finding new ways of building power with small businesses

In order to catalyze the transformation our people need, we begin by addressing the deepest needs of our small business community and strengthening the voices of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian-American Pacific Islander businesses, co-ops, and entrepreneurs of color in Oakland.

By creating spaces where trust and relationships are at the center, we know Black, Indigenous, and small businesses of color can be leaders in taking care of our community.

Michauxnee Kennan, Willows & Pine

“We make Oakland look and feel like OAKLAND - Oakland flavor is our collective super power”

Lan Ngô, Earth Orchid

“Small businesses offer stability and community, and nurture our neighborhoods.”

April Fenall, Piikup

“The glue that holds us together is that we’re all in the movement, organizing, pushing back the rhetoric that is trying to divide us”

Our approach to building power has multiple dimensions 

Healing x Solidarity Circles

Facilitated by Restore Oakland Inc., an RPF Board Organization, this is a space for collectively minded business owners, workers, and artists who want to build community with one another through collective healing, learning, and organizing using restorative practices.  

Education x Learning Labs

Organized by Restore Oakland Inc., Learning Labs are a space to develop a shared understanding of the systems responsible for the inequities our communities face, and collectively building awareness of where decisions can be influenced. 

REAL People’s Organizing Collective

Creating tools, organizing,  strategy and mobilizing actions needed to shift policy change and demand dignified resources that matter most. 

Get Involved with our Powerbuilding work

Get Involved with our Powerbuilding work

If we had more control over the decision making process, within our businesses and our community - imagine how much better our city can be?

We are here to ensure public policies and funding will prioritize the needs and demands of BIPOC businesses + worker-owned cooperatives. We are building a political home and a progressive & unified voice that reflects the membership of our people. Join the REAL People’s Organizing Collective to learn more.