About the Fund | Southern Capital Project

Empowering entrepreneurs is essential to building a more equitable and thriving economy. By ensuring that all founders—especially those historically underserved—have access to the resources, funding, and support they need, we can drive innovation, create jobs, and foster sustainable economic growth for everyone.

Women-led businesses have the potential to add $12 trillion to the global economy by 2025 (Source: McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) Report). Ensuring we equally support women entrepreneurs is an opportunity to unlock immense economic growth and prosperity for all.

SoCap Fund

Strategic Intent

The SoCap Fund is dedicated to breaking down systemic barriers that prevent entrepreneurs from accessing the capital they need to grow and sustain their businesses. By offering patient, flexible, and affordable loans to historically underserved founders, this pilot initiative creates opportunities to learn alongside entrepreneurial partners and influence traditional financial institutions and their underwriting processes.

The SoCap Fund is designed by the team, partners, & founders associated with Southern Capital Project. Recognizing the barriers that many entrepreneurs face in accessing capital, Southern Capital Project and FORGE have developed an alternative approval process to create more equitable funding opportunities.

Clear and concise process and documentation to ensure accessibility for all entrepreneurs.
Investment committee of experienced entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders who understand the challenges founders face.

Approval based on character, commitment, and ability to repay, rather than traditional credit barriers.
Ongoing access to resources and networks to support long-term success.

How It Works

At this time, the Southern Capital Project has paused all investments from the SoCap Fund as we take time to re-envision how best to fill this critical gap in funding for small business owners in Arkansas.

We sincerely apologize for this delay. Please know this pause is part of our commitment to ensuring that the capital we deploy is aligned with the needs of the communities we serve.

Thank you again for your interest in and support of the SoCap Fund. We look forward to working together in the near future.

Eligibility Criteria

Majority owned (51%+) by an individual from historically underserved communities, including women.
Business operations must be based in Arkansas, though incorporation in the state is not required. A Federal Employer Identification Number is not required, but a business bank account is highly encouraged.
Business must demonstrate viability, with at least six months of positive revenue history.
Entrepreneur must demonstrate capacity, ability, and commitment to executing the business model.
Applicant must be endorsed by a SoCap Fund Verifier or the Southern Capital Project.

Qualifying Purpose & Use of Loans

Examples of impact sought from investments:

Retaining or creating jobs

Addressing challenges within the community

Establishing stable and needed businesses within the community

Creating additional revenue streams

Supporting the growth or expansion of existing businesses

Fund Details

Character-based / Alternative lending
Size of investment: $1,000 – $25,000
Type of Investment: Debt
Decided by investment committee, including women entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners
Geographic Focus: Arkansas
Flexible Terms up to 10 years

Data & Outcomes (Collected Annually)

Demography and geography
Credit score
Gross revenues
Net revenues
Net worth
Number of employees