Bradford Cheryl

Mandela Partners, based in Oakland, CA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering food, community, and local business connections. Established in West Oakland, the organization aims to address inequities by collaborating with residents, family farmers, and community-based businesses to enhance health, create economic opportunities, and cultivate assets through local food initiatives. The organization's work is centered around building local wealth by sourcing from sustainable farmers, establishing affordable food access points, supporting community businesses, and boosting capital for BIPOC entrepreneurs. Mandela Partners also operates a community kitchen and food business incubator in unincorporated Alameda County, Ashland, known as E14th Eatery + Kitchen, where local produce and culinary education programs are offered. Through initiatives like the Community Supported Agriculture Program, produce distribution, wellness education, and food business pathways programs, Mandela Partners has made significant impacts in the community. These include distributing over 2.3 million pounds of sustainably grown local produce, securing 45+ jobs in the food sector for individuals facing barriers to employment, and launching 14 community food businesses, among other achievements. Generated from the website content

Bright Research Group is a community-centered design and research firm based in Oakland, California, founded in 2010. They specialize in using research and evaluation to advance social change and promote social equity, with a specific commitment to African American and Latin communities. Their services include elevating the voices of people of color, building understanding and empathy among systems and funders, conducting consumer research, and providing capacity building and learning experiences. Led by a team of seasoned professionals, Bright Research Group is dedicated to promoting more equitable relationships between communities of color and public systems.Generated from the website

COVID-19 Update: SCORE Mentors East Bay is committed to helping businesses in our community through the unprecedented challenges from the coronavirus outbreak. Remote mentoring services are available via phone, email, video and chat. This is a free and confidential service. Please visit our website and click on Find A Mentor to connect virtually with any of our experienced small business mentors. You can also join us for free LIVE webinars on your coronavirus-related concerns - the schedule is posted on our website.