Starting a small business takes courage, a great idea… and often a little financial help to get things off the ground. But for many entrepreneurs—especially women, immigrants, and people of color—access to traditional loans and business resources isn’t always easy to find. That’s where organizations like Accessity come in.

For more than 30 years, this nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution has been helping Southern California entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses by offering small business loans, mentorship, and a network of support. Since 1994, Accessity has provided over $100 million in loans to local small business owners, helping strengthen communities and create jobs along the way.

Maria Mejia, Regional Business Development Manager for Accessity in Riverside and Orange County, discusses how the organization is opening doors of financial opportunity and helping local entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses.