Unlocking Opportunity Together
Access changes everything
Powered by a $15 million contribution from Ripple in its RLUSD stablecoin, Accion Opportunity Fund is expanding access to affordable capital, digital tools, and learning for small business owners historically left out of the financial system.
Ripple Effect
How does $48.7 million in public funding end up behind $5.46 billion in new GDP? By catalyzing a coalition of donors, investors, and small business owners. The fifth edition of the Ripple Effect report follows the journey of a dollar: from public funding, through philanthropy and private debt, into $960 million in lending to nearly 20,000 small businesses, and out into the economy around them. The report was made possible with support from Ripple.
The Ripple Effect, fifth edition: AOF’s macro case study of small business lending
One taxpayer dollar. Four compounding effects. Ten years. $112 in GDP.
Join us Friday, Oct 30 at 10am PT / 1pm ET for an hour on what the data shows and where we go from here.
For Small Businesses
AOF gives small business owners the capital, guidance, and tools they need to grow and succeed.
Business Resource Center
Business Advising
Loans
Accelerator Program
Opportunity
Ripple is empowering Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF) to scale what it does best: deliver affordable capital, trusted advising, and personalized learning opportunities to underserved small business owners.
The result is a growing ripple effect, where access to financial tools and education fuels stronger businesses, job creation, and more vibrant communities.
Research on Digital Adoption and Access for Underserved Small Businesses
Digital tools are now ‘must have’ for small businesses. Discover which tools matter most.
Stories
These numbers come to life through the small businesses creating jobs, serving communities, and growing sustainably.
Sandwich Girl Cafe
Rooted in Park Slope, Sandwich Girl Cafe brings together Egyptian and Mexican flavors through family recipes, playful creativity, and a belief that food can spark meaningful conversation.
“I found my tribe and when you find your tribe, you stick to them.”
TheraMotive
TheraMotive brings physical therapy to older adults where they are, pairing the human touch of in-home care with technology that makes expert support more accessible and sustainable.
“Any program that affords me the opportunity to learn and grow is a program I’m always going to back and AOF is one of those.”
The Bougie Grazer
What began as a love of bringing something special to the party became a hospitality brand built around memorable gatherings. With timely capital and a strong support system, The Bougie Grazer is creating space to grow.
“Sometimes when you’re an entrepreneur, you feel like you’re alone in everything and I didn’t feel alone.”
Bencasso
A lifelong artist transformed decades of creative work into a digitally powered business, using new tools to expand his reach, diversify income, and support other creatives.
“There were things I wanted to do—build programs, market them, get sponsors—but I didn’t have the resources. Now it’s starting to come together.”
Apollo Office Systems
A family-run office technology company evolved from copiers to AI-powered solutions, using digitization to survive disruption and deepen its impact on customers and community.
“The AOF loan was a life preserver for us. It really, really helped keep us in business.”
Southside Mobile Veterinary Services
An independent veterinarian’s vision for more compassionate, convenient pet care became a fully equipped mobile clinic – meeting families where they are and bringing more comprehensive care to animals across the community.
“I started Southside Mobile Veterinary Services in my SUV in 2019. It was doable, but the feasibility long-term just wasn’t there. With the help of Accion Opportunity Fund, I was able to get financing for my van in December 2025.”
Woodfire Pies
What started as a backyard pop-up during the pandemic grew into a thriving wood-fired pizza business, fueled by community support, resilience, and a commitment to feeding people with heart.
“Without AOF, this wouldn’t have been possible—the process was straightforward, and it helped us bring our vision to life.”
Ace High Co
A passionate team’s pursuit of better grooming products became a successful business, scaling authentic, small batches into a wider market and community.
“We’d still be in business with just the loan. But we wouldn’t be seeing this kind of growth without the accelerator program, and I don’t think we’d feel as inspired as we have since completing it.”
About the Partnership
Together, Ripple and AOF are demonstrating how strategic contribution and strong partnerships can unlock opportunity at scale.
Ripple’s contribution supports AOF’s proven model for serving small businesses through:
Ripple aims to enable global financial institutions, businesses, governments, and developers to store, move, and exchange value, unlocking greater economic opportunity for everyone, everywhere.
They focus on blockchain-based payment and liquidity solutions to make financial systems faster, more accessible, inclusive, and efficient.
Our Mission
Build breakthrough crypto solutions for a world without economic borders.
Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF) provides affordable capital, business advising, educational resources, and support networks to small business owners who often can’t access traditional financing.
They also advocate for a financial system where small business owners from all backgrounds can thrive, helping small businesses grow, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.
Our Mission
Advance economic mobility for underserved small business owners and communities through affordable financial services, knowledge resources, networks, and policy advocacy.