Accion Opportunity Fund

Accion Opportunity Fund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution, commonly known as a CDFI, based in San Francisco, California. It is one of the largest nonprofit small business lenders in the United States and focuses specifically on helping entrepreneurs who face barriers to accessing traditional bank financing.

CDFIs are mission-driven financial organizations that receive certification from the US Treasury's CDFI Fund. Their goal is to expand access to affordable capital for people and communities that are often underserved by mainstream banks and lenders. Accion Opportunity Fund has a particular focus on minority-owned, women-owned and immigrant-owned small businesses, as well as entrepreneurs in low-income communities.

Accion Opportunity Fund provides small business loans, including microloans for very small businesses. Loan amounts vary and the organization is known for being willing to work with business owners who may have limited credit history, lower credit scores or shorter time in business than most conventional lenders would accept. The application process typically involves more personal attention and guidance than applying to a bank or online lender.

Beyond just lending money, Accion Opportunity Fund also provides business coaching, educational resources and advisory support to help entrepreneurs build stronger businesses. This combination of capital and support is part of its mission-driven model.

Accion Opportunity Fund operates across multiple states in the United States. If you are a small business owner who has struggled to qualify for bank financing, or if you are in the early stages of building your business, Accion Opportunity Fund is worth exploring. Rates and terms are generally more accessible than predatory lenders while remaining below the rates charged by many online lenders.