Based in Oakland, California, Mandela MarketPlace (MMPlace) is a non-profit Community Development Corporation, incorporated in 2004, that works in partnership with local residents, family farmers, and community-based businesses to improve health, create wealth, and build assets through cooperative food enterprises in low income communities. Through community organizing, education, business cultivation, and ‘ladder-up’ financing, community members engage in the development, operation, and ownership of a local economy and sustainable food system. MMPlace is using HFFI financing to support a revolving loan fund for business expansion and to expand its capacity as an small business and social enterprise Accelerator of existing and new food enterprises in Oakland, California. The two initial businesses to receive loans from the revolving fund are Mandela Food Cooperative, a worker-owned grocery store in West Oakland, and Mandela Foods Distribution, which connects underresourced farmers from Salinas Valley to MMP's network of urban retail outlets.  MMPlace will also launch and manage Ashland MarketPlace & Café accelerator in 2,141 square feet of retail space located on the ground floor of Ashland Place, an 85 unit affordable housing complex, targeting low-income residents and youth. The accelerator provides incubation and mentoring services, business start-up and expansion loans for Eden, Jellicles, and Spirit Spy Farms, Ashland Café, and 4 kiosks operated by newly launched or expanded community owned food enterprises. You can find more information here.

Source of money: HFFI CED Program