About Accion Opportunity Fund
Accion Opportunity Fund is a financial support system for small businesses that advances racial, gender, and economic justice for all.
Accion Opportunity Fund is an unparalleled financial support system that provides small business owners in the US with access to capital, networks, and coaching.
Small business owners uplift communities and anchor local economies, while creating opportunities for themselves, their families, their employees, and our neighborhoods. Yet entrepreneurs who are people of color, women, and low-to-moderate income often struggle to secure capital and resources, as they are systematically shut out from traditional financing.
In 2020, Accion Opportunity Fund was formed as Accion U.S. Network and Opportunity Fund came together. Together, we fight for an inclusive and accessible financial system so small business owners of all identities can thrive.
At Accion Opportunity Fund we work closely with small business owners to provide them with fairly priced loans, educational resources, coaching, and support networks in English and Spanish. Accion Opportunity Fund Community Development is the lending arm of Accion Opportunity Fund.
For over 25 years, we have served a client base that is over 90% women, people of color, and/or low-to-moderate income. Our clients’ businesses have historically had a 96% survival rate, compared to the national small business survival rate of 50%.
These small business owners have so often been shut out of traditional financing. We provide fast, personalized services to support them as they grow towards sustainability. We offer our services across the nation, so that small businesses can reach us regardless of where or who they are. As our work continues and small business owners continue to grow their impact we are a force for good, for equality, and a just economy for all.
Accion Opportunity Fund is known for a highly personalized approach to working with clients. We’ve translated our high-touch, on-the-ground experience into a seamless and personal digital experience.
Over 40% of American small businesses have been put at risk during the COVID crisis, and the groundwork we had already laid has put us in a position to support them. Small business owners work hard to be there for their communities. They keep showing up during the hardest of times, so we’re working just as hard to deliver the financing and support they need.
Our Board
AOF’s expert business coaches are available to support your business with customized coaching on the most pressing business challenges. If you’re ready to connect with a coach, schedule your first session today.
Our Board
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- Esteban Altschul, Accion, COO, Board Member since 2020
- Greg Avis (Chair), Bangtail Partners, Managing Partner, Board Member since 2015
- Todd Baker, Broadmoor Consulting, Managing Principal, Board Member since 2018
- Swati Bhatia, Goldman Sachs, Partner, Head of D2C, Board Member since 2019
- Phil Black, True Ventures, Co-Founder, Board Member since 2019
- Dickson Chu, Copper, Inc., CEO, Board Member since 2018
- Caretha Coleman, Coleman Consulting, CEO, Board Member since 2020
- Solana Cozzo, Mastercard, SVP, Global Debit Product Mgt, Board Member since 2020
- Joni Cropper, Cropper Family Fund, Board Member since 2016
- Debra Engel, Engel Family Fund, Board Member since 2017
- Madeleine Fackler, International Rescue Committee, CIO, Board Member since 2019
- Brian Graham, Klaros Group, Managing Partner, Board Member since 2016
- Parker Hudnut, ICEF Public Schools, CEO, Board Member since 2017
- Yun-Fang Juan, Zumplings, Owner and Chef, Board Member since 2016
- Mickey Konson (Assistant Secretary), StreetShares, President, Co-Founder, Board Member since 2020
- Jim Koshland (Vice Chair & Secretary), DLA Piper, Principal (Retired), Board Member since 2014
- Lata Krishnan, Shah Capital Partners, Board Member since 2020
- Juanita Lott, Portfolia Investments, Partner, Board Member since 2020
- Michael Schlein, Accion, President and CEO, Board Member since 2020
- Diana Taylor, Accion, Board Chair, Board Member since 2020
- Luz Urrutia, Accion Opportunity Fund, CEO, Board Member since 2018
Business Advising
Accion Opportunity Fund’s business advising services include coaching, access to networks, and free resources including blog posts, tools, and webinars that help small businesses thrive.
New Markets Tax Credits
We invest in community service focused projects with the potential to transform low-income communities. These projects are typically located in “targeted distress” (very low-income) census tracts where the poverty rate is 20% or higher, or the median family income is below 80% of the poverty line.
Advocacy
Our advocacy vision is to help create an inclusive world in which all entrepreneurs have the opportunity to make their dreams come true, and struggling communities become economically vibrant. To succeed, we need to change the broader systems impacting our work and the communities we serve.
Work With Us
Would you like to spend your working day committed to making a difference in the lives of hard-working people in and around your community? If you share our commitment to social change, our entrepreneurial spirit, and our focus on results, please apply.
