Zoo Labs was founded in West Oakland with a vision to build startup entrepreneurship infrastructure that did not previously exist around artists. In 2023 we proudly celebrated our 10th anniversary. Over the last decade we helped pioneer a new artist-led ecosystem, continually evolving our programming to empower a strong and vibrant community of 1,000+ artists and mentors.

Today we support artists by removing barriers to access practical and affordable business training. Our online school, Zoo Labs LEARN, is a resource library of free entrepreneurial courses made by artists, for artists.

And with the launch of the Zoo Labs FUND, we have moved downstream to support Bay Area BIPOC musicians through focused mentorship and unrestricted grants, allowing awardees to self-determine their own economic priorities in building capacity with their creative small businesses. To date, we have awarded $910,000 to 53 BIPOC-led teams representing 160 individuals from across the Bay Area.

Supporting the Bay Area’s cultural innovators as entrepreneurs, particularly those from historically excluded communities, is critical. Studies show that entrepreneurial activity in a community stimulates employment growth and wealth creation in that same community. Zoo Labs amplifies the local creative economy and supports a self-propagating ecosystem of career development, economic safety, and abundant community support.