Stephanie Izard, Taste of Accion 2014 Keynote Speaker & Bravo’s Top Chef winner, with the Burling Bank lending team.
Partner Profile: Meet Accion Chicago
Accion helps communities grow by investing in entrepreneurs who build businesses and generate jobs in their neighborhoods. Through our support of events like Taste of Accion, as well as placing Accion client loans on the Bank’s portfolio, we have been able to broaden Burling Bank’s reach and improve our ability to service members of the community who may not yet qualify for a bank loan.
Accion is a nonprofit that provides customized capital solutions, microlending and one-on-one coaching to underserved entrepreneurs. Their clients are neighborhood businesses — like bakeries, dry cleaners, and transportation services — that form the backbone of every community.
As the largest nonprofit microfinance network in the U.S., Accion’s small loans help leverage big gains, generating local jobs and attracting more economic activity. With loans ranging from $500-$100,000, Accion provides the tools necessary for individuals to create and expand small businesses regardless of their backgrounds and other barriers to obtaining credit.
To learn more about Accion Chicago, please visit: accionchicago.org