123 Main Street, New York, NY 10001

Who We Are

Our "Why"

NorthSTAR illuminates pathways and eliminates barriers to entrepreneurship as a viable means for people to reach social and economic upward mobility for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Our Story

In 2022, RevHubOC, a California Social Purpose Corporation, along with its partners, established the NorthSTAR (Systems To Access Resources) OC Collaborative to build the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Orange County. This ecosystem is designed to illuminate pathways and eliminate barriers to entrepreneurship for under-represented and under-resourced communities.

Seed funding for the initiative came from an $8.5 million grant through the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), championed by Senator Josh Newman (CA-29th District). Programming began in January 2023, which includes workshops, webinars, Neighborhood Hub centers, trainings, individual mentoring, counseling and navigation, incubation, acceleration, early-stage non-dilutive capital for under-resourced entrepreneurs, proof-of-concept funding, hackathons, competitions, and access to investment capital.

The NorthSTAR Collaborative brings together comprehensive resources which provide people what they need to explore and develop new business ideas.

As a key driver of its social purpose–to identify genius entrepreneurs solving our world’s most pressing social and environmental problems–RevHub has dedicated its resources and evidence-based systems to align top regional economic development organizations along a shared vision. This role as lead convener of the “entrepreneurialism-as-a-social-solution” movement has quickly earned RevHub the respect and attention of influential regional and national decision-makers, and has generated increased demand for expansion of the program to other major metropolitan communities.

Values

  • Entrepreneurship | Pursue opportunity with resourcefulness, imagination, and adaptability.
  • Empowerment | Create and allocate resources which allow individuals and communities to access equal opportunities.
  • Equity | Do what is right and often overlooked. Meet under-served communities where they are.

Our Model

At NorthSTAR, we believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship to unlock human potential. Through our program, we provide aspiring individuals with the essential pillars of Belief, Access, and Knowledge, enabling them to achieve upward social and economic advancement.

Belief

amplify success stories

We actively foster a belief that anyone can create a business which creates positive change, builds wealth, and ultimately shapes communities for the better.

Access

eliminate barriers

We eliminate barriers by providing equal access to resources, networks, and opportunities. NorthSTAR ensures that aspiring entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, genders, and socioeconomic statuses have a level playing field to launch and scale their businesses. We connect them with mentors, investors, and support networks, opening doors that may have been previously closed. There is no wrong door.

Knowledge

illuminate pathways

We equip individuals with comprehensive entrepreneurial knowledge and skills. Through our robust training programs and practical workshops, we provide the necessary tools, business acumen, and insights to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. We believe that knowledge is a catalyst for success, and we empower our participants with the know-how to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

Guiding people to the right path

This “no wrong door” approach fuels the upward social and economic advancement of individuals, empowering them to craft their own success stories. In turn, this contributes to a virtuous cycle of economic growth and personal freedom for under-represented and under-served communities.

Partners

NorthSTAR was founded through collaboration. We work hand-in-hand with a network of community partners, or existing organizations in Orange County that provide vital services and support to individuals and communities in need. Together, we form a strong and unified force, amplifying our impact and addressing the underlying causes of social challenges.

REV HUB logo

RevHub

Lead Convener

RevHub, our lead convener, is the driving force behind NorthSTAR's mission. As the central hub, facilitating collaboration and coordination among our community partners, they leverage the expertise, resources, and networks of our partners to foster entrepreneurialism and create pathways to opportunity for all.

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ONE OC logo

OneOC

Fiscal Partner

OneOC’s mission is to accelerate nonprofit success. As NorthSTAR's fiscal sponsor, OneOC assists in the administrative, legal, and financial operations of the collaborative.

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Community Partners

ADVANCE logo

Advance OC

AdvanceOC’s uses innovation and strategic philanthropy to address inequities in Orange County communities through technology and systems thinking which result in equity-oriented, data-driven strategies to create a better Orange County for all.
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Center for Entrepreneurship logo

Center for Entrepreneurship at Cal State Fullerton

The Center teaches, coaches, and leads the practice of entrepreneurship. Through determined practice, leadership, and teamwork, stakeholders can systematically forge new ventures, create an entrepreneurial culture, and dramatically benefit our community.
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CIELO logo

CIELO

CIELO catalyzes hope, resilience, and stability in under-resourced communities by helping enterprising individuals transform their dreams of owning a neighborhood business into reality.
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North Orange County Community College District Logo

North Orange County Community College District

This district serves and enriches our diverse communities by providing a comprehensive program of educational opportunities that are accessible, relevant, and academically excellent.
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OCHCC logo

Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of and provides access to Orange County’s 30,000 Hispanic-owned businesses. They support the development of these businesses through access to networks, advocacy, capital, education, and training.
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MECCA Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies

Orange County MultiEthnic Collaborative of Community Agencies (OC MECCA)

MECCA ensures the delivery of culturally and linguistically responsive services to traditionally under-served multicultural communities. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, they create sustainable systems of integrated healthcare delivery and human development.
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logo for Social Science Research Center at Cal State Fullerton

Social Science Research Center at Cal State Fullerton

The Research Center’s mission is to provide high-quality, tailored, and responsive research services to decision-makers in Orange County and beyond, while facilitating educational and experiential opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.
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Flexible Business Grants Ranging From $500 To $2,500

Get funds for critical startup costs like:

  • Legal & Licensing Fees
  • Marketing
  • Equipment
Eligible applicants must participate in programs or services provided by NorthSTAR Partners.
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