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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Alfredo Mathew III, a social entrepreneur, educator, and systems thinker who has dedicated over 25 years to building a more inclusive and regenerative economy. Alfredo is the Founder and CEO of SPCC.1, the world’s first Shared Prosperity Community Corporation, a groundbreaking model designed to help underinvested communities scale small businesses, access shared services, and compete for major contracts and growth capital.
We dive into what inspired Alfredo to dedicate his career to economic justice, the vision behind SPCC.1, and how his experience co-founding ESO Ventures where he helped channel over $22 million into Black and Brown-owned businesses shaped his approach to systemic impact. Alfredo also shares what kind of investors align with his mission and offers advice for entrepreneurs who want to build community-rooted businesses that change the game for future generations.
This conversation is all about reimagining what an economy can look like when it’s designed for ownership, equity, and shared prosperity.
Notable Awards and Recognitions
• 4X Founder, Educator, CEO with over 25 years of leadership experience across education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship
• Founder and CEO of SPCC.1, the world’s first Shared Prosperity Community Corporation
• Co-founded ESO Ventures, pioneering inclusive entrepreneurship initiatives in California
• Helped secure $22 million in public and philanthropic investment to scale community entrepreneurship across California
• Delivered a TEDx talk, “Manifesting an Economic Engine for Shared Prosperity,” inspiring bold action in inclusive economic development
• Named Teacher of the Year (2002–2003) by the Office of the Superintendent of Bronx High Schools
• Led the Bay Area office of NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship), connecting thousands of students to Silicon Valley companies and career pathways
• Co-authored California Budget Bills that established the statewide Capital in the Community Fund (CICF), securing nearly $20 million in funding
How to connect with Alfredo Mathew III
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredomathew/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/spcc1/
• https://www.spcc.one/
Show Notes
[1:34] Alfredo shares what inspired him to dedicate his career to building a more inclusive and regenerative economy, and how his early years as an educator helped shape that vision.
[4:18] The core idea behind SPCC.1, breaking down what a Shared Prosperity Community Corporation is and why now is the right time for this model.
[12:54] How launching ESO Ventures and securing $22M in public and philanthropic capital shaped his approach to scaling impact while staying true to community values.
[18:40] The kinds of investors and partners that align with the SPCC.1 vision and what core beliefs they need to share to come on board.
[24:24] The best ways for you to get involved with SPCC.1 and support Alfredo’s mission, as well as, how you can connect and learn more.
[25:17] Alfredo offers advice for entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders on launching community-rooted businesses that drive systemic impact.
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