|
|
|
In this issue:
 | | Paul Quintero with Accion clients Bennie Edgerson (left) and Nadira El-Khang (right). |
In this month's Credit Lines, we focus on the notion of influence, highlighting an individual's capacity to have a positive effect on the character, development or behavior of others. What makes this topic interesting is its subtlety; less overt than power and less visible than a demonstration, it still has the ability to be a catalyst for change. From the ability to encourage one's children, to influencing communities, each of us can serve a purpose. The purpose of Accion is to create a world of financial inclusion for all; your support, in thought, time and treasure influences us to achieve this vision each and every day. Please read on and learn about other positive influencers like yourself.
Yours in the mission,
|
|
|
|
"Now my kids want to be entrepreneurs," says Accion client and honoree, Bennie Edgerson.
|
Ana Hammock poses with Accion client Bennie Edgerson.
 Ana Hammock was recently named one of the most influential people for Massachusetts' Latino Community.
|
 Accion's NY Lending Manager Gustavo Perez receives the Business Partner of the Year Award from EWVIDCO's Executive Director, Leah Archibald and Vice President, Armando Chapelliquien.
 |
 The Orange Book shares perspectives from entrepreneurs around the country.
|
|
|
Celebrating the Female Entrepreneurial Spirit
"I am so honored today to be in the company of such dynamic women who are changing the world," said Donna Gambrell, the former director of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, at Accion's 2nd Annual Access to Opportunity Awards Luncheon. This year, Accion shined the spotlight on women in business ---- celebrating the female entrepreneurial spirit and honoring the contributions of its supporters.
Accion clients, donors, board members, volunteers and staff gathered to recognize inspiring women and partners including Donna Gambrell, Diana Taylor, JPMorgan Chase and Accion clients Nadira and Bennie. Bennie shared her personal story with guests. She's the proud owner of a construction company, overcoming tremendous obstacles from domestic violence to homelessness to be where she is today ---- an employer of eight and a role model to her four children. "Now my kids even want to be entrepreneurs...It's a great feeling to be their role model."
Thank you to our Job Creator Sponsors for making the event possible including Accenture, Citi, Chase Bank, Popular Community Bank and TD Bank.
|
| An Influential Accionista
When Ana was three months pregnant, she knew that one day she would have to leave her son and go back to work. Luckily, Ana Hammock loves her job. As Vice President of Lending at Accion East, Ana is responsible for overseeing Accion's lending program.
Ana was nervous. She wanted to find a daycare that was welcoming, convenient and bilingual. Most importantly, she wanted to go somewhere she trusted. That's when she met Accion client, Teresa.
Teresa had emigrated from Ecuador to Boston with her family in the 90s. When she met Ana, Teresa was putting her two daughters through college, a first for her family. The two became friends, and Teresa showed Ana the many perils of being a small business owner, how her lack of credit as an immigrant affected her ability to get an affordable loan and how the summer months were a constant challenge to her cash flow.
Today, Teresa is on her third loan and business is booming. She also remains an active role model to Ana's son. About her experience, Ana explained, "I spend a lot of time working with small businesses in my community. These businesses face challenges, but they deserve a chance. Supporting small business is part of my life, not just my job."
El Planeta recently named Ana as one of the most influential people for Massachusetts' Latino Community. We couldn't agree more. Accion is proud to have Ana on our team.
|
|
Pulling Together and Building Businesses
The laborious task of pulling saltwater taffy is what gives it its unforgettable texture. Equally unforgettable is the experience of eating taffy; it evokes boardwalks, striped awnings, the smell of the sea and the sound of seagulls. It's exactly what inspired Marisa Wu's friends to beg her to make the delicious treat for their beachfront stand in Far Rockaway.
Marisa's taffy is unlike any other ---- creamy like a milkshake with a distinct salt crystal crunch. Each batch is made by hand, which meant that soon Marisa could not keep up with the demand. She teamed up with other candy makers to help expand production. EWVIDCO, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit, provided Marisa with the resources she needed to grow. Then they referred her to Accion where she got the capital she needed to grow. Together, EWVIDCO and Accion were able to help Marisa, and help countless others every month.
Accion is honored to have received EWVIDCO's Business Partner of the Year Award at their Annual Awards Celebration at Brooklyn Bowl on May 20th for our work together.
|
|
Main Street Microfinance
It's become popular knowledge that Main Street is a useful and predictive tool for determining future economic trends. What might not be as well known is that of the 28.1 million small businesses in the county, 26 million are defined as very small businesses, with fewer than five employees.
We've served this population for almost 25 years. In that same time, our clients have been revitalizing neighborhoods and helping local economies thrive.
In their recently published Orange Book, the Accion U.S. Network takes a walk through some of our local neighborhoods, sharing first-hand insights about the realities and perspectives of the entrepreneurs driving Main Street economies during the first quarter of 2014. I invite you to download The Orange Book and enjoy the stories of Main Street's businesses.
|
|
Item of the Month: Deborah's Spreadable Fruit
Deborah came to Accion with the hopes of propelling her passion for crafting healthy food items. Her business, Deborah's Kitchen, offers jars of spreadable fruits made with all natural ingredients that contain less sugar than most jams, jellies, and preserves on the market. Today, her products can be found at fine specialty food stores, grocery stores and local farmers markets. Her most popular flavor, "Forest Berries," is comprised of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.
Pick up a jar of this delightful fruit spread from our client marketplace.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
