ACCION USA, a microfinance pioneer and the leading microlender in Greater Boston, today announced that Senior Director Erika Eurkus has been named to the Boston Business Journal's "40 Under 40," which lists the best and brightest young business leaders and innovators in Greater Boston.

For each of the past 10 years, the Boston Business Journal has honored 40 outstanding professionals under the age of 40 for their business success and community contributions. On October 11, the newspaper will host an awards presentation and special reception for the 40 awardees and other key area business leaders at the Marriott Boston Copley Hotel.

"I am so thrilled to be listed among these driven and enthusiastic businesspeople that have shown so much dedication to their organizations as well as to their communities," said Erika Eurkus, Senior Director for Capital and Brand Development of ACCION USA. "All of us at ACCION USA are proud of our accomplishments in bringing credit to Boston's underserved small business owners. We hope that with the tools that we provide - credit and financial education - our clients will one day make their own headlines in the Boston Business Journal."

Ms. Eurkus is responsible for the capitalization and management of ACCION USA's Loan Fund, which specializes in loans to low and moderate income individuals that are often considered unbankable by traditional lenders. In addition, she leads ACCION USA's branding efforts in positioning itself in the national marketplace. A frequent speaker on microfinance, Ms. Eurkus recently addressed several hundred senior staff at United Way's annual conference. Prior to her current position, Ms. Eurkus oversaw the day-to-day operations of ACCION USA's New England lending program, a position she assumed after assisting with first ever merger in the domestic microfinance field in the union of ACCION USA and Working Capital. Under her leadership, ACCION USA disbursed more than $6.35 million in loans - at an average loan size of just $6,000 - to local small business owners, many of whom were minorities or women.