(December 9, 2009/New York, NY) - ACCION USA, a pioneer and recognized leader in U.S. microfinance, today announced the launch of "Microfinance: It's Not Charity, It's a Chance," a two-minute video that seeks to raise awareness of microloan services and impact in local communities.

While the Obama administration continues to battle rising unemployment, particularly among minority groups, microloans are proving to be a viable way to create jobs in local communities. With over 10 million microentrepreneurs in the United States lacking access to affordable loans to grow or start a small business that provides needed jobs, the need for microfinance services in the U.S. is clear.  

As the domestic affiliate of global microfinance pioneer ACCION International, ACCION USA has proven microfinance to be an effective local community development tool. In fact, the organization has provided over $118 million in small business loans averaging $6,400 since inception in 1991, creating or retaining an average of 2.4 jobs per loan in low-to-moderate income communities

"Microentrepreneurs are the heart and soul of communities nationwide," says Gina Harman, president and CEO of ACCION USA. "However, they so often lack access to the funds needed to start or grow businesses. We are proud to showcase the contributions microentrepreneurs make to their families, our economy, and neighborhoods everywhere."

"Microfinance: It's Not Charity, It's a Chance," available at www.itsnotcharity.org, was launched as part of ACCION USA's year-end fund drive, through which the organization hopes to raise $10,000 to support its microlending and financial education programs. The funds will be matched in full by ACCION USA's Board of Directors.

 About ACCION USA

ACCION USA is a leading U.S. microfinance organization that provides access to capital and financial education to low- and moderate-income individuals, primarily minorities and women. A pioneer and recognized leader in U.S. microfinance, ACCION USA empowers individuals to create sustainable businesses, increase family incomes, and contribute to the economic development of cities across the U.S. Since inception in 1991, ACCION USA has provided over $118 million in small business loans ranging from $500 to $50,000, offered nationwide via the ACCION USA online lending platform. For more information about small business loans, visit www.accionusa.org.