Overview

Why are you interested in becoming a Trustee?

The Unity Council has a longstanding history of support for small business owners in the Fruitvale Business Improvement District, Fruitvale Transit Village, and at Fruitvale Public Market. We would like to be able to offer another tool to our diverse neighborhood, full of potential small business owners who are often cut off from traditional borrowing relationships by issues such as lack of education regarding the financial system, or a language barrier.

What is the mission of your organization?

The Unity Council is a non-profit community development corporation committed to enriching the quality of life of families primarily in the Fruitvale District of Oakland. Its mission is to help families and individuals build wealth and assets through comprehensive programs of sustainable economic, social and neighborhood development.

Borrower Due Diligence

How will you decide who to endorse as a borrower? What due diligence will you conduct?

Our borrowers will be selected from the over 350 businesses in the Fruitvale Business Improvement District. As part of our program, we will require that borrowers take advantage of Financial Empowerment courses provided by our Homeownership Center program, as well as the business improvement programs offered by the City of Oakland. These programs help business owners develop business plans and strategies for growth and efficiency, as well as become Green Businesses.