How We Make a Difference

Hear first-hand from clients how ACCION San Diego's program made a difference in their businesses and lives!  Click here to view the testimonial from Sweet Treats.

The Southern California regional economy is growing at a faster rate than those of the country as a whole, yet the jobs with the most growth in California pay less than a livable wage.  Many employers are now shifting to part-time workers, non-standard schedules, contract labor, suburban worksites and fewer employee benefits.  Faced with this wage situation and cost of living (which is 41% higher than the national average) many low-to-moderate income persons are turning to self-employment as an alternative.

Our client base reflects our community's rich diversity; approximately 68% of ACCION San Diego borrowers identify as part of an ethnic minority group, and 45% of our clients are women. Both of these groups have historically faced barriers in obtaining business financing from traditional sources such as banks and credit unions.  ACCION San Diego is proud to provide an alternative lending opportunity for these hard-working micro-entrepreneurs.

With micro-loans ranging from $300-$35,000, our clients can increase their inventory, buy equipment and raw materials and stabilize the growth of their businesses. We also help our clients build favorable credit histories and improve their business skills through programs with our community partners .

Our bilingual staff, character-based methodology and flexible collateral requirements enable clients from disenfranchised communities to grow their nascent businesses, improve their credit rating and contribute to the economic revitalization of their neighborhoods. We are proud to support the leadership and entrepreneurial spirit of our clients as their businesses blossom, creating the vibrant life of our local communities.

Accomplishments

Since our inception in 1994, ACCION San Diego has disbursed over 2,500 loans in excess of $15 million to more than 1,500 clients. Our average loan size is approximately $10,000 and historically our loss and delinquency ratios stand at approximately 7.5%.