Founded in 1994, ACCION San Diego is an affiliate of the international leader in micro-enterprise development ACCION International and is an integral force in Southern California’s micro-enterprise landscape.
ACCION San Diego provides small business loans and support systems to low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs who are unable to obtain traditional sources of credit. In the last 20 years, the organization has lent over $17 million to more than 1,500 micro-entrepreneurs and has provided technical assistance to more than 1,200 clients.
ACCION San Diego's impact spans all races, genders and economic brackets to create and grow sustainable enterprises. It counts 60% of its borrowers as part of a minority group and 43% are women.
Isha Webb, a young African-American woman who is extremely passionate about fashion was unable to expand her clothing business due to her lack of credit. In 2007, through ACCION San Diego, she was able to acquire a $1,000 loan. In addition to the financial stability, she was able to grow her business through the organization’s mentorship courses. In particular, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Empowerment course helped Isha connect with local businesses and utilize tools and resources to succeed.
Isha Webb, a young African-American woman who is extremely passionate about fashion was unable to expand her clothing business due to her lack of credit. In 2007, through ACCION San Diego, she was able to acquire a $1,000 loan. In addition to the financial stability, she was able to grow her business through the organization’s mentorship courses. In particular, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Empowerment course helped Isha connect with local businesses and utilize tools and resources to succeed.
The other courses and workshops that ACCION San Diego provides are:
International Rescue Committee: Provides refugees living in San Diego with business training and credit.
Foundation for Women: Offers refugee and immigrant women business opportunities through lending, training and support services, while helping them build favorable credit histories.
Hispanic Chamber of E-Commerce: Provides tools and solutions to help micro-entrepreneurs increase their online presences and revenues.
Foundation for Women: Offers refugee and immigrant women business opportunities through lending, training and support services, while helping them build favorable credit histories.
Hispanic Chamber of E-Commerce: Provides tools and solutions to help micro-entrepreneurs increase their online presences and revenues.
The partnership with Kiva will allow ACCION San Diego to expand its clientele and find new ways to provide loans to underserved businesses.
LEND TO AN ACCION SAN DIEGO BORROWER TODAY!
LEND TO AN ACCION SAN DIEGO BORROWER TODAY!
Have questions about ACCION San Diego? Kiva's work domestically? We're happy to help at blog@kiva.org.
Photos courtesy of ACCION San Diego.
