Investing in Ownership: NEOKCR’s Revolving Loan Fund Reaches Seven Signings and Counting

Not Pictured: Central Oklahoma Heritage Funeral Directors

At NEOKCR, we believe that economic freedom is foundational to real progress, and that access to capital shouldn’t be determined by who you know, what you look like, or how well you fit into a traditional lending mold. That’s why we created the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF): a community-rooted tool to help small businesses growing on and for the Eastside, i.e. either physically based on the Eastside or directly serving Eastside residents.

This summer marks an exciting milestone: seven businesses have officially signed with the RLF, unlocking flexible funding and tailored support to grow their ventures. These are investments in neighborhood stability, generational wealth, and the vision of a self-determined, prosperous Eastside.

Meet Our Loan Recipients:

• AFROPOP – Oklahoma’s first Black-owned soda brand is shaking up the beverage scene with bold flavors and an even bolder mission to celebrate Black culture through commerce.

• Empathy Ed – A workforce development startup bridging gaps between education and employment. As a strategic partner with Work Ready Oklahoma, Empathy Ed empowers adults with tools for long-term career success.

• Makeba Designs LLC – A creative studio specializing in custom apparel, educational products, and branding. With a heart for community and youth, Makeba’s growth is driven by her connection to families and schools across NEOKC.

• Anointed Hands Salon – A trusted accredited salon offering professional haircare services in a welcoming and affirming space for women of all ages.

• Music & Expressive Arts Center of Oklahoma – Combining music therapy and education, this center uses creativity to support mental wellness, youth development, and emotional healing in our community.

• Central Oklahoma Heritage Funeral Directors – Serving Eastside families since 2006, this Black-owned business offers funeral services, insurance, and a flower shop—employing nearly two dozen people and giving back to local schools, churches, and civic causes.

• Jamaican Thunder - Jamaican Thunder is a full-scale food truck established with a mission to serve delicious, authentic Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Each of these businesses reflects the power of ownership rooted in place, culture, and care. And none of them needed to compromise their vision to access the capital they deserve.

A Loan Fund Built for Us

Unlike traditional lenders, we center the lived experiences of our community and design flexible, equitable terms to meet real needs. Our aim isn’t just loan repayment—it’s long-term impact.

Whether you're a startup founder, a legacy business owner, or somewhere in between, our goal is to remove the barriers that have long kept Eastside entrepreneurs out of the financial system and replace them with support, access, and opportunity. We want to reach more brick-and-mortar Eastside businesses.

Ready to Grow?

RLF has approximately half-a-million dollars to deploy to Eastside and greater Ward 7 businesses. If you or anyone you know is in need of funding, please apply!

If you're interested in applying, head to our application portal.

 Note: Our general application may still appear as “Oklahoma Minority Founder Accelerator Application Funnel” due to backend limitations. If you’re applying for the Revolving Loan Fund, this is still the correct application.

We’re proud of this progress—and we’re just getting started.

Let’s build the future together.