ESO Ventures Deploys $4 Million to Support Women Entrepreneurs

OAKLAND, CA, UNITED STATES, October 26, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- ESO Ventures, an entrepreneurial infrastructure company based in Oakland, California, has marked National Women’s Small Business Month by deploying nearly $4 million in loans to women entrepreneurs, with a significant focus on Black women. According to the release, women have received more than half of the loans in ESO’s portfolio, with Black women receiving 85 of the 99 loans made to women, representing more than $3.3 million in capital.

Martha Hernández, co-founder and CEO of ESO Ventures, emphasized the importance of providing women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, relationships, and access to capital necessary to build sustainable companies.

ESO Ventures offers a comprehensive suite of services to help entrepreneurs strengthen their business foundations, improve their readiness for financing, and connect them with capital aligned with their needs and the stage of their companies. The organization’s model combines practical business education, individualized guidance, community support, and access to financing.

Tametra Johnson, founder and CEO of San Jose-based Jacob’s Ladder Therapies, is one of the beneficiaries of ESO’s support. Johnson received $100,000 in financing, which helped her hire an additional licensed clinician and create capacity to pursue school partnerships and expand the practice’s reach.

Jacob’s Ladder Therapies now serves a diverse clientele, including children, teens, adults, and families, including neurodivergent individuals, educators, and veterans. Its services extend from individual and family therapy to parent education and school and workplace wellness programs.

Queen Adu-Poku, a licensed clinical social worker and founder and CEO of Antioch-based Royal Emotional Care, also received $100,000 in financing through ESO. The practice has grown to a team of eight therapists, including four fully licensed clinicians and four associate therapists, expanding its capacity to serve individuals, couples, and families.

Adu-Poku has since expanded her vision by receiving 501(c)(3) approval for Utile Case Management and Clinical Services, a nonprofit being developed to broaden access to clinical services, education, workforce development, and community-based support. She also created People of the We, a customer relationship management platform designed to help therapists, group practices, and entrepreneurs use technology while maintaining strong human relationships.

The growth of Jacob’s Ladder Therapies and Royal Emotional Care illustrates how capital paired with business education and trusted guidance can help entrepreneurs create jobs, strengthen operations, and expand essential services in their communities. Women represented 66% of the 132 entrepreneurs who participated in ESO programs in 2025. Overall, ESO has supported 678 entrepreneurs through programs designed to help founders build stronger companies where they live and work.

During National Women’s Small Business Month, ESO is encouraging women entrepreneurs to explore its business-building and capital-readiness programs. The organization is also inviting municipalities, economic development organizations, and community partners to collaborate in expanding access to entrepreneurial infrastructure. Women entrepreneurs interested in ESO programs can learn more or apply at the provided link.