ACCION New York and acclaimed East Village restaurant, the Mermaid Inn, have partnered to help alleviate poverty in New York City through microfinance.  Based in a shared belief in the idea that if you "give a man fish, you feed him for a day, but if you teach a man to fish you feed him for a lifetime," each week the Mermaid Inn will donate a generous portion of its Sunday evening proceeds to ACCION New York.

A committed philanthropist and long-time international microfinance supporter, owner Danny Abrams saw an opportunity to give back to local communities through the work of ACCION New York.  The Mermaid Inn's generous support will allow ACCION to further its outreach in providing local, underserved communities with the capital and financial literacy resources needed to establish their businesses and achieve financial independence.

ACCION New York thanks the Mermaid Inn for their commitment to both microfinance and the local business community.

About The Mermaid Inn

The Mermaid Inn (www.themermaidnyc.com) is a spot-on rendition of a casual New England fish shack, complete with style, warm hospitality, and classic fare.  After opening in 2003, The Mermaid Inn quickly gained a loyal following and won praise from critics and diners alike for its seasonally-inspired seafood menu and relaxed atmosphere.  Owner Danny Abrams sets the familiar tone of The Mermaid Inn's flagship in the East Village and newest location on the Upper West Side with design elements that blend New England charm with the laid-back atmosphere of its neighborhood surroundings.  As The Mermaid Inn expands throughout New York City and beyond, Abrams remains committed to providing sincere hospitality and an outstanding dining experience.

About ACCION New York and New Jersey

ACCION New York and New Jersey is a nonprofit microlending organization that contributes to the economic development of the New York metropolitan region by providing loans and advisory services to individuals and small businesses that do not have access to traditional sources of credit.  As a leader in both U.S. microfinance and local small business lending, ACCION New York has provided over $80 million in small loans since its inception in 1991.  Ranging from experienced restaurateurs to home-based businesses and native New Yorkers to recent immigrants, loan recipients have transformed capital into citywide economic development, positive community change, and personal empowerment. 

In January 2009, ACCION New York combined operations with ACCION USA.