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On the 41st Day Before Christmas…

Walking through downtown Boston this morning, I heard, for the first time this season, the faint but familiar sound of “Jingle Bells” ringing through the city blocks.  It’s hard to believe it, but we are now six weeks away from Christmas and entering the bustling holiday season.  And I’m not afraid to bring the first cheer to ACCION’s blog!

By doing so, I hope to plant a seed early in the shopping game: buy local.  Now if you’re a regular local shopper, you don’t need any convincing.  If you buy locally occasionally, you’re probably easily swayed (especially by the mobs at Target and Macy’s!).  But I am particularly encouraging those who don’t fall into either of these categories (and it wasn’t long ago that I myself was in this mix) to simply think about shopping locally this holiday season.

Even if you use this mentality for one gift this year – just one! – you will play a vital role in supporting your neighborhood and the entrepreneurial community across our country.  You will help alleviate the plight of small businesses, recently addressed in a poignant New York Times article.  Part of ACCION’s work is to connect these hard-working entrepreneurs with the resources they need, including capital, financial education, and business mentoring.

Today, we’re connecting them with another resource: you.

And we’re helping you by bringing a little ease and creativity to your holiday shopping!  Here are a few ideas (all inspired by ACCION’s own clients from across the country) to get you started:

10. Pick up a cool piece of vintage clothing for your niece.

9. Save the pet lover in your family the hassle of cleaning the dog.

8. Grab your brother a gift card to a local coffee shop.

7. Extend the gift with a few weeks of housecleaning services.

6. Send personalized and memorable cards to family, friends, and (for you professionals) clients.

5. Treat your mom to a day of pampering.

4. Send tasty ethnic treats to your co-workers and neighbors.

3. Surprise your parents with a full car detail.

2. Buy a bracelet or CD from a foundation that supports ACCION’s clients.

1. Help ACCION continue supporting all of these entrepreneurs by making a donation in someone’s name.

This season has a different meaning to everyone.  For many this is the best time of year; for many it is not.  But the invariable truth remains that shopping locally can serve not only as a present for your loved one, but moreover, a gift for a small business owner.  In many ways, it can be a gift for yourself, as well: the peace of mind knowing that you supported your local community and brought a greater sense of thought, creativity, and care to your purchase.

So, will you consider buying locally this year?

Green Cash for Green Business: FREE Webinar November 15th!

“Green businesses operate in ways that solve, rather than cause, both environmental and social problems,” says Green America, a national leader in promoting green business practices.  And while “being green” helps the environment, many people tout that “green” is also a strong revenue driver for small businesses that tap into environmentally conscious consumers.

However, Denise Hamler, director of Green America’s Green Business Network, says that “financing is the number one challenge facing green businesses today. Many of the small businesses we work with have strong market opportunities, but are not capitalized enough to really reach their potential.”

ACCION USA hears this story every day – from our own small business clients, as well as our focus groups.  The verdict is unanimous: small business owners “strongly believe in green,” but at the same time, think that “going green” is not economically viable.

We can’t ignore the data. “Going green” can bring green ($)…but only if you have green ($).

Fortunately, microfinance organizations are perfectly poised to pull small businesses out of the same old “I can’t, it’s too expensive” mentality. With the right loan product and support services, small business will see a return on their investment and, at the same time, make the planet a more hospitable place to live.

For this reason, ACCION USA launched a Green Small Business Loan program that provides financing and consulting to green enterprises.  Want to learn more?  On November 15th at 2 PM EST you can speak directly with Renzo Mendoza, an ACCION USA Loan Consultant, about how to apply for a Green Loan.  The “Green Cash for Green Business” webinar is free and will cover all you want to know about ACCION USA’s green loan program.

And ACCION USA will waive the $30 loan application fee for all “Green Cash for Green Business” webinar participants!*

So, if you are a small business with green principles and need working capital or want to invest in energy efficient equipment or upgrades, look no further.  ACCION USA and Green America are bringing you an exclusive look into ACCION USA’s lending process.

Don’t miss this free opportunity – space is limited so REGISTER TODAY!

What will you take away from the webinar?

• A waived loan application fee* (a $30 value)
• The definition and benefit of an ACCION USA Green loan
• Information about credit, financial, and collateral requirements for loans up to $50,000
• An understanding of loan rates, fees, and terms
• Training and educational benefits
• Direct connection with an ACCION USA loan consultant

Not able to make the webinar, but have green loan questions?  Search #GreenMyBusiness on www.Twitter.com at 3 PM EST on November 11^th to join the twitter party and engage in good green conver sation.

We look forward to seeing you on Monday!

* Must apply within one week of “Green Cash for Green Business” webinar

A Pilot Seminar Initiative

It’s a rainy Tuesday night in East Boston; a nice night to stay at home or in the shop. Yet at 143 Border Street in East Boston, dozens of entrepreneurs trickle in to grab a seat for the second night of a seminar series on Business Financial Management. The energy and excitement grows, as business owners from around East Boston and the greater Boston community, fill up a conference room at the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), and East-Boston based community development corporation, to participate in a class on ‘Understanding Financial Statements’.

This is the second class of a six-part seminar series for Latino business owners on Business Financial Management. The series was designed by a collaborative group of business assistance providers and community organizations including ACCION USA, the Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce, East Boston Savings Bank and NOAH. These organizations came together with a common goal of facilitating a comprehensive series on managing business finances, led entirely in Spanish, while providing a space for business owners to make connections with one another.

Seminars take place every Tuesday night for six weeks and are led by professionals in financial planning, accounting, and ACCION USA. The continuous flow of questions, answers and comments last week indicated that many entrepreneurs have real questions around how to organize and reconcile their expenses, while others have examples and ideas that they are willing to share.

Small businesses are essential to building strong communities and a healthy economy.

Beauty Salons Go Green

Entering your favorite beauty salon, the thought has probably crossed your mind: this chemical smell invading my nostrils cannot be healthy. Can products that stain, strip, and straighten hair take a toll on your body? On the other hand, can a “green” salon forgo the formaldehyde (yup, formaldehyde exists in your favorite hair straightening products) without sacrificing the quality?

Some sure think so. On October 1st, greenSpaces announced that Fringe Hair Art of Kennebunkport Maine has completed its Green Business League Green Business Certification, making it the first Certified Green Hair Salon in the State of Maine.

What did the salon owners do to become green? They first directed attention to their space, using recycled glass and low-VOC paint to set the mood.  Next, operations. The salon turned virtually paperless, and they ditched plastic cups for glass to serve water, tea, and coffee (how nice!). And then most importantly, addressing those pesky chemicals that give you a headache while you wait for your stylish highlights, Fringe Hair Art opted for ammonia- and formaldehyde -free hair styling products with a strong odorless claim.

It makes sense.  In fact, www.TheBeautySchool.com blog states that “the new trend sweeping the beauty industry is going green.” But they warn that going green is not easy; you can’t skimp or try to fool your customers with faux-green products.  Do your homework or hire a consultant to walk you through the greening process. To get you motivated, www.ehow.com has a list of considerations when starting a Green Beauty Salon.. And remember, it’s not just about your hair products: start simple with a commitment to reusing and recycling your business waste. Your world, and your customers, will thank you.

Not a business owner?  As a consumer, check out green business directories like www.greenamericatoday.org and talk to your friends about greener options.

If you are a regular at the beauty salon, would green make a difference in your choice of salons? Let us – and beauty salon owners – know what you think!

Beer, Pita Chips, and Burritos?

Yesterday afternoon, the streets of Boston were damp and a bit dreary. But indoors, things were bright: teachers dispensed knowledge, students absorbed every word, and both listened and learned from each others’ experiences. But this scene’s setting wasn’t the halls of Harvard or MIT. Rather, it was the second-floor ballroom of the Park Plaza Hotel, where ACCION USA and The Boston Beer Company presented the inaugural Brewing the American Dream U: a free, half-day event for entrepreneurs in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries to receive expertise from leading local business owners.

Over 150 entrepreneurs attended. For four hours, they listened as fifteen experts shared advice and fielded questions on topics including “What I Learned on My Way to the Kitchen” and “Getting Your Product Ready for Retail.” The advice was timely, inspirational, and most importantly, honest.

Jim Koch, founder of The Boston Beer Company, discussed the salesman’s mentality (every time he walked into a bar, he had only a few seconds to determine why the people sitting at the counter should drink his beer and why the person behind the counter should sell it). Stacy Madison, founder of Stacy’s Pita Chips, explained the importance of targeted marketing strategies (it’s like a fire hose: you have to focus your efforts, not just spray aimlessly). And John Pepper, founder of Boloco, emphasized the necessity of resilience (he pitched his business to 39 investors before he heard the word “yes”).

The event was an important step in strengthening the Boston Beer Company-ACCION USA partnership – appropriately named Brewing the American Dream – which launched in 2008. In the past two years, the program has provided loans to small business owners in Massachusetts and, in doing so, saved or created 282 jobs.

The partnership not only involves loans but, more so, financial education and “speed coaching” events designed to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to build their businesses. Together, these programs support entrepreneurs and prepare them for the many challenges of business ownership. And judging by an e-mail we received from an event participant this morning, these efforts are working:

“I just wanted to let you know how awesome yesterday was. I was amazed at how eager and enthusiastic all the panel members, Sam Adams, and ACCION were to lend a hand to micro entrepreneurs. It was truly inspiring and empowering. As a member of the food industry, I have many friends and colleagues with big dreams of starting their own venture and I’m certain they are not aware of these incredible resources available to them. I am excited to spread the word, and to seriously consider pursuing my dream as well.”

Help “brew” this entrepreneur’s dream by donating here.

What’s a Bike Doing In ACCION USA’s Bathroom?

Microfinance Week in Review- Week Ending September 17

Some of the week’s news in the microfinance, green business initiatives and the small business sector:

• Fast Growth For Your Small Business Isn’t Always Good -USA Today
• Business Groups to Fight Job Plans- The Wall Street Journal
• Small Businesses Can’t Get Loans from Bailed-Out Banks- Bloomberg Businessweek
• Business Groups to Fight Job Plans- Wall Street Journal

Microfinance Week In Review: Week Ending September 3rd

Some of the week’s news in the microfinance, green business initiatives and the small business sector:

• The Importance of Networking- ACCION USA YouTube
• Microloan program is a big help for Small Businesses - LA Times
• U.S. Falls Short in Awarding Small Business Contracts - Wall Street Journal
• Social Media Are Easier Than You Think – The New York Times

Brazil! Meet Two Inspiring Female Brazilian Entrepreneurs in Boston

ACCIONistas Erica Dorn and Amelie Busch, had the opportunity to visit two ACCION USA female entrepreneurs in Boston recently. This short video about their trip is an inspiring look into what microfinance can do not only for small business but also women hoping to improve their livelihood. A small loan from ACCION USA can enable women to be financially self-sufficient while growing a business that strengthens the economy. Those are just two reasons why female entrepreneurs ought to have better access to financial capital and a chance to be the strong and fabulous women that they all are!

Visiting Two Female Entrepreneurs in Boston from ACCION USA on Vimeo.

Microfinance Week in Review: Week Ending August 27th

Some of the week’s news in the microfinance, green business initiatives and the small business sector:

• Quest for the Perfect Credit Score- CNN
• No Down Side for Pittsburgh Businesses as Students Arrive- Pittsburgh Review
• Small Businesses are Official’s Business- The San Diego Union Tribune
• Five Things Small Businesses Want From Washington- NACS Online
• Small Businesses Loan Programs Need Cash ASAP- CNN

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