Economic Opportunity Coalition (EOC)

Since its founding, the Economic Opportunity Coalition (EOC) has grown to include nearly 30 leading organizations and mobilized historic investments in community banks and support for small businesses. 

Members include companies and foundations dedicated to driving economic empowerment in underserved communities and wealth creation for underserved individuals, businesses, and communities. 

EOC’s core initiatives include:

• Access to Capital: Expanding access to capital by placing deposits with community development financial institutions (CDFI).
• Supply Chain and Procurement: Expanding supply chain opportunities by supporting buyers and suppliers in emerging domestic sectors and high-margin professional services.
• Entrepreneurship through Acquisitions: Expanding business ownership by supporting the acquisition of businesses by underrepresented individuals.

As a membership organization, the EOC secretariat serves as a convening body and provides key services to its members including:

• Education: Educating corporations on community economic development and opportunities that exist for wealth creation – demonstrating how elements of their business align with the goals of the EOC.
• Intermediary and Relationship Management: Serving as an intermediary and relationship manager between corporations and social sector organizations to ensure EOC efforts develop lasting relationships that extend beyond philanthropy.
• Development of Initiatives: Coordinating and consulting with EOC members as they develop initiatives that leverage investments by the federal government.
• Data Collection and Impact Measurement: Engaging in robust data collection of investments and impact measurements to ensure the EOC remains focused on accountability and improving the lives and livelihoods of underserved individuals.
• Publicity: Publicizing and celebrating the positive impact EOC initiatives are having in underserved communities.