Accessity

Accessity CFO Javier Islas, Director of Development Angela Zappia, MSW, and Board Chair Gordon Boerner attended last week's CAMEO Network San Diego Member Meeting at Accessity-funded business Chula Vista Brewery in Eastlake. A special thank you to Senator Steve Padilla for listening to entrepreneurs and access to capital and technical assistance providers about the pressing needs of our local small business community!

??Welcome to the Team, Maria Mejia! We’re excited to introduce Maria Mejia, our new Business Development Officer covering Orange County and West Riverside County! ?? With an extensive background in the banking industry and a deep passion for supporting small businesses, Maria is ready to help entrepreneurs access the funding they need to grow and succeed. ??"Our true wealth is not measured by what we gain but by what we share with others. Entrepreneurs are the heart of a community, and their impact is magnified when collaboration, connection, and a shared purpose bring them together in harmony. I deeply believe in the power of community and the strength that comes from uniting our talents for a greater good. That is why I am committed to contributing my knowledge and cultural competence to support this journey together, building a more prosperous and meaningful future for all." – Maria Mejia ?? If you're a small business owner looking for financing options, she’s here to help. ?? #accessityorg?#SmallBusinessSupport?#WelcomeMaria

?? Emprendedoras on the Rise Program Spotlight ?? We are thrilled to shine a light on the incredible facilitators who are empowering and inspiring Latina entrepreneurs in our community through the Emprendedoras on the Rise program! ??? Meet the expert facilitators who are helping our participants rise to new heights: ???? Jessica Anguiano, MBA | Maravillosa Movement – Guiding us through Mission, Vision, and Values to create meaningful businesses! ?? Claudia Shah | Centro de Negocios SBDC – Leading us in Business Planning to build a solid foundation for growth! ?? Nadia Segura | Bet Tzedek Legal Services – Navigating the complexities of Business Legal Matters with expertise and care! ?? Roberto Martinez | Braven Agency – Helping us boost our businesses with Digital Marketing strategies that drive results! ?? Viridiana Ponce | VP Consulting – Offering insights into Fiscal Management and helping businesses stay financially strong! ?? Access to Capital Panel featuring: ?? BMO Daniel Rodriguez ?? Chase Alejandra Corona Fennell, CSBC ?? Accessity ?? Rize Credit Union Diana Cervantes ?? Inclusivaction Andrea Avila ?? TMC Community Capital Mayra Contreras These organizations are dedicated to providing resources and opportunities to help entrepreneurs access funding and grow their businesses. ? Special Emprendedora Micro-Grant sponsored by BMO – Helping women entrepreneurs take their dreams to the next level! Daniel Rodriguez #EmprendedorasOnTheRise #LatinaEntrepreneurs #Entrepreneurship #Empowerment #BusinessGrowth #Spotlight #CommunitySupport #BusinessPlanning #DigitalMarketing #FiscalManagement #AccessToCapital #MicroGrant #BMO #SBDC #BetTzedek #BravenAgency #VPConsulting #InclusiveActionForTheCity #TMCCommunityCapital #RizeCreditUnion #Accessity #WomenEntrepreneurs #LatinaEmpowerment

Last week, Accessity team members Angela Zappia, MSW and Juliet Terramin, along with Board Chair Gordon Boerner attended an event celebrating Maya's Cookies fifth year of creating a Black History Collection full of special cookies to celebrate Black History Month. This year also marks Maya's Cookies' 10th anniversary. Maya received support from Accessity when she was a startup business and when she opened her first brick-and-mortar shop. Since launching, Maya's Cookies has become America's #1 Black-Owned Vegan Cookie Company! As a tribute to the owner Maya's success, Accessity inducted her into the Accessity Ambassadors Circle in October. ? The 2025 Black History Collection features three cookies paying tribute to the Golden Age of Black Television, including the Good Times, Scandalous, and A Different S'wirled flavors. ?? You can purchase Maya's Cookies at their two San Diego locations or order your Black History Collection box online: https://lnkd.in/gF4fbzy3 #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackOwnedBusiness #ShopLocal #SmallBusiness

California Southern President & CEO Juan Carlos Hernandez visited Accessity's offices last week. California Southern is a valued loan guarantee partner and Accessity Academy for Entrepreneurial Success sponsor. Thank you for helping us deliver capital and education to small businesses!

This Black History Month, Accessity proudly celebrates the vibrant Black-owned businesses that strengthen our community. These entrepreneurs create jobs, drive innovation, and build generational wealth through their dedication and vision. As an organization committed to supporting small businesses, we're inspired by the resilience and creativity of Black business owners who contribute so much to our local economy. Want to support Black-owned businesses in our area? Check out the small business marketplace on Accessity’s website: https://lnkd.in/g-yVdpvE #BlackHistoryMonth #SmallBusiness #ShopLocal #BlackOwnedBusiness

At Accessity, we believe in the power of technology to expand financial opportunity. That’s why we partnered with Radiant Data to develop a predictive credit model that supports—never replaces—our underwriters’ expertise. This innovative tool helps assess applicant data and estimate the likelihood of successful repayment, all while staying true to our mission of increasing access to fair and responsible credit. Learn more in the below article about how we built this model with safeguards against bias to better serve our community. Thank you to Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and Mastercard Strive USA for their support and partnership in helping us harness technology to build the model! #CDFIs #ImpactInvesting #AIforGood #MLforMission #VoicesFirst #Rehumanize

?? Accessity 2024 Year in Review ?? Thank you to all of the small business owners, community partners, and supporters who helped Accessity reach thousands of entrepreneurs last year! Together, we can achieve great things for our Southern California small businesses and economy. ???? Let's keep pushing forward and empower even more small business owners this year! Donate today: https://lnkd.in/gA4RmDUS

Did you catch Accessity on KUSI News this morning? ???? KUSI's Allie Wagner and Accessity Business Development Officer Juliet Terramin joined Jonathan and Susana at Accessity-funded business You Jewelers & Boutique, a full-service jewelry shop in La Mesa. Still looking for the perfect gift for your valentine to show them how much you care? You Jewelers & Boutique has you covered! ???? Check out even more great Valentine's Day shopping options through the small business marketplace on our website: https://lnkd.in/g-yVdpvE

Thank you to San Diego Foundation for including Accessity Board Chair Gordon Boerner and Director of Development Angela Zappia, MSW, in this meaningful convening of community partners to further strengthen entrepreneurial support for Latinos in San Diego County.