Capital Navigation in the South

In 2024, Southern Capital Project designed and launched the SoCap "Southern Capital" Fund to break down systemic barriers for women entrepreneurs in the state of Arkansas. The fund offers patient, flexible, and affordable loans with a focus on character, commitment, and repayment ability, rather than traditional credit scores. However, many entrepreneurs do not have the documentation required by the loan management partner or are not at the right stage to take on a loan. The state of Arkansas has multiple options for business capital, from grants to loans to equity investment, but the landscape is difficult to navigate, with most of those successful in raising capital having existing relationships.

Strengthening Access to Capital through Capital Navigator

We are launching the Arkansas Capital Navigator, a new initiative under Southern Capital Project, designed to provide comprehensive technical assistance to women entrepreneurs. This program helps business owners understand their specific capital needs and connects them with appropriate financial resources within the Arkansas ecosystem. By addressing the barriers that women—particularly those from marginalized communities—face in securing funding, Capital Navigator ensures that more entrepreneurs have the knowledge, connections, and support necessary to access the right type of capital at the right time.

We invite you to join us in our mission to build wealth with women in the South. Your funding for the Capital Navigator initiative will help us reach more women, enhance our programs, and deepen our impact on the communities we serve. Our priority currently lies in strengthening the access-to-capital work we have already begun, and we are currently seeking $20,000 to support the Capital Navigator initiative. The total project budget for one year is $140,000, but this $20,000 could help us begin our design of the program as well as the toolkit and capital spectrum resources throughout the state, as well as capacity to support securing MOUs with financial partners around the state.

Together, we can create an economy rooted in equity and opportunity, where all women have the resources they need to succeed.

1. Increased Financial Literacy – Women entrepreneurs gain a clear understanding of funding options and capital strategies tailored to their business needs.

2. Expanded Funding Access – More women, especially from marginalized communities, secure appropriate financing through connections with CDFIs, investors, and lenders.

3. Sustained Business Growth – Entrepreneurs receive ongoing support, improving their ability to navigate financial agreements, refine pitches, and secure long-term capital.