(New York, NY / January 19, 2010) - ACCION USA, a pioneer and recognized leader in U.S. microfinance, has partnered with Yola.com, a Website building tool, to offer free Website design and hosting services to its microloan recipients.

The partnership aims to empower microentrepreneurs through the opportunity to build and host, free of charge, a high quality Website using the Yola.com platform. In today's business environment, it is critical for small businesses to have a Website in order to gain online business and market to offline consumers. A recent study conducted by WebVisible and Nielsen found that "63 percent of consumers turn to the internet first for information about local companies". However research indicated that only "44% of small businesses have a website". By providing entrepreneurs access to a free platform that will enable them to build a website, ACCION USA hopes to increase the number of their clients who are able to take advantage of low-cost and effective online marketing strategies.  

Gina Harman, president and CEO of ACCION USA said "In addition to small business loans, ACCION USA   seeks to provide our clients with access to education and resources to help them grow their businesses.  Our partnership with Yola, allows us to provide  an innovative marketing tool, empowering them as business owners." Vinny Lingham, chief executive officer for Yola added "ACCION USA and Yola share similar goals-helping small business owners and entrepreneurs launch and run successful business ventures."   

ACCION USA clients and small business owners can access Yola resource center at http://businesscenter.yola.com. A kiosk at ACCION USA's New York office, funded by Yola is also available to provide clients who may not have access to a computer a station to utilize this new service. Gina Harman added "it is a chance for our clients to become a part of the important online business community".

About ACCION USA

ACCION USA is a nonprofit 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 $117 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