Celebrating small businesses together
This Small Business Month, we’re standing alongside the small business owners who show up every day — for their families, their employees, and the communities they anchor. Meet Bridget Brady, Founder and CEO of Amp Up My Biz, and one of thousands of small business owners AOF is proud to partner with.
Small Business Month is a celebration. It’s also a call to action.
“This country was built on the back of the small business owner. Heart-centered, service-oriented business owners are a big piece of what’s going to affect change for the good in this world.”
-Bridget Brady, Founder and CEO, Amp Up My Biz
Bridget has been an AOF borrower since COVID. When her clients’ businesses were affected by the LA wildfires, AOF provided a payment deferral to give her breathing room. She still has an active loan with AOF today — with terms structured around the real needs of her business, because that’s what it means to have the right financial partner.
Small business owners across the United States are navigating rising costs, workforce pressures, and an uncertain environment that demands more resilience than ever. AOF is right alongside them — with a focus on responsible financing practices and staying present through every season of a small business owner’s journey.
For over 30 years, AOF has been a steady partner for underserved small business owners. Your gift this Small Business Month helps us expand access to affordable loans, free education, business advising, and thriving networks to more communities nationwide.
What education, advising, and programs look like in practice.
Three small business owners. Three kinds of support. One mission.
Mario McCoy
Houston, TX
AOF advising + program client — Creators Momentum Business Accelerator
Mario’s modern minimalist accessories brand had survived the pandemic and a personal health crisis. But survival wasn’t enough. Through AOF’s one-on-one business advising, he repositioned his brand, redesigned his website, and saw a 30% increase in Black Friday sales in 2025.
“AOF is not only knowledgeable — they’re relatable. They create an environment where small business owners can truly grow. And that leads to real business results.”
Kari Capone
Maplewood, NJ
AOF program client — Creators Momentum Business Accelerator
Kari was ready to walk away from her knitting business — barely breaking even after years of work. AOF and Etsy’s Creators Momentum Business Accelerator gave her a framework for sustainable growth. Since completing the program, she opened her first brick-and-mortar shop in downtown Maplewood last fall and has been growing her online revenue month over month.
“Knitting has been transformative for me. If I can bring knitting to as many people as possible, I know that it brings such joy and positivity.”
Nimisha Jain
Woodbridge, CT
AOF program client — Brewing the American Dream + E-Commerce Learning Lab
Nimisha started Jain Family Foods in 2020 to bring culturally rooted, healthy Indian-inspired meals to tables across the country. Through AOF’s programs and grant funding, she scaled her operations, refined her digital strategy, and found the confidence to keep growing.
“It wasn’t just about the money. It made me feel like my business — and I — were worth investing in.”