Welcome
Welcome to First Community Capital
First Community Capital is a U.S. Treasury-certified CDFI and 501(c)(3) nonprofit that expands access to affordable capital, hands-on coaching, and community support for underserved entrepreneurs across Southern California.
Focused on communities where access to capital creates lasting change.
The mission of First Community Capital is to champion economic justice and opportunity by expanding access to affordable capital and technical assistance for economically disadvantaged small businesses and Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) individuals and communities - with a focus on addressing financial disparities, supporting underserved markets, and promoting sustainable community development and economic mobility.
Where We Work
Our Values
Mission-Led & Relationship-Driven
Every client receives more than capital - they receive a partner committed to their long-term success.
Service coverage
Lending and coaching across Southern California.
From the Inland Empire to the coast. We meet entrepreneurs where they are.
Who We Serve
Capital and coaching for entrepreneurs the system overlooked.
First Community Capital provides affordable capital, business coaching, and community-based support for underserved, under-invested, and Low-to-Moderate Income individuals, entrepreneurs, and communities across Southern California.
Who we fund
We work with founders at every stage, from first-time entrepreneurs who need Start Up, Small Dollar, or HSTEP capital plus credit-building and hands-on guidance to launch, to established small businesses using Microloan, Small Business, or Commercial financing to expand operations, refinance debt, or stabilize cash flow. A large share of our clients are underserved entrepreneurs, immigrant, women, and minority-owned businesses working around barriers to conventional financing, supported through Start Up, Microloan, Small Business, and Nonprofit products.
Where we show up
Our lending also reaches specific communities and industries: clean energy, green tech, and other innovation-driven firms across Riverside and Southern California through TechStart, Nano, and Microloan products; reentry individuals and others rebuilding credit, who deserve a real pathway to entrepreneurship, through Small Dollar and Start Up loans; and community-rooted enterprises (retail, food, health, hospitality, and service businesses creating local jobs and stronger neighborhoods) through Microloan, Small Business, Commercial, and Nonprofit financing.
Industries & sectors we support
What We Do
Three pillars of support for every entrepreneur.
From your first loan to long-term growth, First Community Capital wraps capital, coaching, and advocacy around every client we serve.
Loan Products
Every product below is built around a different stage of the entrepreneurial journey, from a first small-dollar loan to commercial-scale referrals. Compare the full range and find the one that fits where your business is today.
- Start Up LoanUp to $5,000
- MicroloanUp to $50,000
- Small Business LoanUp to $100,000
- Climate & Green Business LoanUp to $100,000
- Nonprofit Loan$10,000+
- TechStartUp to $10,000
- TechGrowUp to $20,000
- Nano LoanUp to $20,000
- HSTEP LoanUp to $20,000
- Small Dollar Loan$500 – $2,500
- Commercial Referral$100K – $2M+
Business Coaching
Coaching is included with every relationship, not sold as an add-on. The services listed here cover the ground most clients need, from loan readiness and credit education to workshops and referrals into the wider small-business network.
Advocacy
Our work does not stop at the loan closing, because the barriers our clients face are structural. These are the areas where we put our voice to work on behalf of the communities we serve.
- Economic justice & equity leadership
- Policy & CDFI sector engagement
- Entrepreneurship ecosystem building
- Youth & workforce development
Our History
From one vision to a growing movement.
A quick look at the milestones that shaped First Community Capital into the community-centered lender we are today.
A vision takes root
After meeting Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, Founder Jay T. Diallo established FCC as a nonprofit built on the belief that affordable capital transforms communities.
Lending begins
FCC began financing small-business owners overlooked by traditional lenders, pairing responsible loans with hands-on technical assistance.
CDFI certified
Certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution, affirming FCC's commitment to low-income communities.
Capacity & partnerships grow
Expanded lending capacity, technical assistance, and partnerships with banks, foundations, and agencies across Southern California.
Access to capital expands
Added financing options for startups, existing businesses, nonprofits, and individuals while strengthening staff, systems, and infrastructure.
Innovation & program growth
Launched specialized programs for nursing students, green-tech ventures, and African diaspora entrepreneurs, deepening community impact.
Growth, recognition & expansion
Completed CDFI recertification and broadened reach across Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Imperial counties.
Our impact keeps growing.
650+
Loans funded
$5M+
Capital deployed
1,500+
Clients coached
83%
Low-income clients
59%
Women-owned businesses
85%
Black-owned businesses
250+
Jobs created or retained
Our history is still being written, one entrepreneur, one family, and one community at a time.
Meet the Team
The people behind the mission.
Our team brings deep expertise in community development, microfinance, and technical assistance - united by one mission: expanding opportunity for those who need it most. Our board works as an extension of our staff.
Jay T. Diallo
President & CEO
EmailFounder and CEO. Leads our organization with vision and strategic direction.
George Oluwaboro, CPA
Executive VP/CFO
Email
Karen Serrano
Community Development Officer
EmailRuns day-to-day operations, client intake, and program coordination.
Ray Masterson
Senior Credit Underwriter
Evaluates financial opportunities to support small-business growth.
Claudia Rivera
Loan Processor
Facilitates loan applications and ensures smooth processing for client success.
Dr. Moses Agoro
Technical Assistance Coordinator
African Immigrant Liaison
Zeke Gebrekidane
Technical Assistance Coordinator
Mark Davis
Chairman
Board
Vincent McCoy
Treasurer
Board
Edward Johnson
Secretary
BoardMore than professionals, our team are advocates for change, combining financial resources with tailored guidance to build stronger businesses and transform lives.
Partners & Supporters
Backed by institutions that believe in local entrepreneurs.
We work alongside banks, foundations, and community networks that share our commitment to equitable access to capital.
Get Started
Ready to work with First Community Capital?
Whether you need capital, coaching, or just a conversation, our team is here for you.