Why AOF?
We provide fast, personalized support so small business owners of all identities can thrive.
Why we do what we do
Small business owners uplift communities and anchor local economies, but they’re often shut out from traditional financing.
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8,000 small business loans are denied every day
Traditional financing options don’t help small business owners when they need help most
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38% of loan applications from Black-owned businesses are denied
Compared with 20% of White-owned businesses that apply for financing
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$1.5 trillion added to the U.S. economy by 2028
Closing the racial wealth gap would contribute to a thriving U.S. economy
Our Impact
We are upending racial and gender inequities in the traditional financial sector, and catalyzing change so small business owners of all identities can thrive.
We’re here to support all small business owners
You're not just a number. We recognize that entrepreneurs often struggle to secure capital and resources, as they are shut out from traditional financing. Additionally, for over 25 years, our organization has served a client base that is nearly 90% women, people of color, or immigrants.
Businesses with less than 20 employees
Startups that have outside experience in their industry
Business owners with low credit scores
Businesses that only have 50K in annual revenue
Businesses that operate from home
Our lending model
When you repay your loan, we’ll reinvest that money into other small businesses. By taking out a loan, you not only allow your own business to thrive, but you also help support other small businesses owners in your community and beyond.
What makes us different
At Accion Opportunity Fund, we do things differently. We’re here to support you, and provide you with the resources your business needs to thrive.
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A non-profit lender
Because we don’t exist to make profit, we use the money from your repayment to support other business owners
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Customized loans and repayment terms
No two businesses are alike, so we structure loans that work for your business, not someone else’s
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Support for anyone, no matter your credit score
You're not just a number. We look at more than just your credit score to determine business viability
They got back to me the very next day and said I got funded. I cried, because it felt like someone believed in me.
Staying afloat during the pandemic, I wanted to ensure that we had a future.