The People’s Foundry

We believe the future of business is local, inclusive, and people-powered. Our work centers on helping community-rooted founders bring their visions to life in a way that honors their values and culture. We support cooperative models, neighborhood-based mutual aid ventures, and social enterprises that prioritize the well-being of their workers and customers. Our programs are tailored to the unique challenges and strengths of local economies. Whether we’re helping a community garden launch a produce delivery service or supporting a coalition of childcare providers in forming a cooperative, we start with what’s already working — and help it grow. We also advocate for policy change at the municipal level to make local entrepreneurship more accessible. We believe that when small businesses succeed, neighborhoods thrive. And when those businesses are owned and operated by the people who live there, the ripple effects are exponential. It’s not just about economics — it’s about dignity, sovereignty, and belonging.