Economic developers believe a key contributor to economic inequality in the United States is the large and persistent racial and ethnic disparity found in business ownership and performance. Barriers to accessing capital that particularly impact Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs include lack of initial wealth, financial literacy, education, and managerial experience. To address racial and income inequities, WESST launched the HOPE Fund (Helping Open Possibilities for Everyone), a “no barriers to accessing capital” approach for people of color and low-wealth New Mexicans.