ECONOMIC JUSTICE
ECONOMIC LIBERATION PROJECT
Undocumented workers face exclusion from federally funded workforce programs due to structural policies beyond local control. Yet in Long Beach, a cross-sector team has forged a new path forward. ÓRALE, with funding from The James Irvine Foundation and support from the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) and the UCLA Labor Center, created the Economic Liberation Project to offer participants a clear overview of how to start and formalize their businesses in Long Beach, regardless of immigration status.
Over the course of our year-long program, participants receive information, resources, and guidance to aid their journeys into entrepreneurship. After completing foundational trainings, participants receive ongoing support, such as personalized case management, from ÓRALE and our partners at LBWIN. Participants from the program have gone on to begin businesses in crafts like jewelry, wellness coaching, financial services, art, and food. To learn more about the program, contact Economic Justice Manager Jackie P. at jackie@orale.org
2025 MICRO & SMALL BUSINESS GUIDE
The Economic Liberation Project has supported nearly 80 incredible entrepreneurs in beginning their journeys of building thriving businesses. To learn more about some of these businesses and the remarkable individuals behind them, please view our Micro & Small Business Guide. Whatever your need, there is someone in our guide ready to help.
If you are interested in investing in the program, please contact ÓRALE Executive Director Gaby H., at gaby@orale.org
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Through financial wellness workshops, our team has been providing community members essential tools to navigate banking, credit, budgeting, and wealth-building systems often designed to exclude communities of color. By equipping participants with financial knowledge and access, these workshops advance economic justice by helping to dismantle barriers to economic security and independence.
Our workshops have covered subjects like co-ops, taxes for individuals and businesses, and managing their debt. For information on upcoming sessions, please stay tuned to our social media pages.