Katherine's Boutique Turns Fashion into Financial Independence
ACCION USA provides financing when
traditional bank loans would not
Aidee Vasquez arrived in the U.S. from Colombia in 1991, fleeing drugs and violence—and drawn by the promise of the American dream. She looked for work but found it difficult, since her English was limited to knowing how to say "yes" and "no." She found a job as a waitress for a Latino-owned restaurant.
Looking beyond a day job
When she first came to the U.S., Aidee expected to be an employee, not an entrepreneur. She worked long hours in Boston-area restaurants, cooking and cleaning, often holding down more than one job to make ends meet. On the side, she also sold clothes (lingerie, jeans, sweaters) to friends, family, and other customers. Inspired by her success, she began to think of starting her own company.
An alternative to traditional loans
Aidee avoided traditional banks, which rejected her for not having enough credit. Plus, she found all the paperwork intimidating.
Then she heard about ACCION USA on the radio. She applied and soon received a small business loan of $5,000, which enabled her to buy insurance for her boutique as well as new merchandise. She's actively pursuing advertising and publicity for her business and is working with an accountant to conduct a financial analysis of her company.
Giving a Latino-owned business fundingand hope
As her small business grows, Aidee is clear that ACCION USA played a key role in its success. "Many times, immigrants come to the U.S. with nothing but hope," she says. "ACCION helps people like me move ahead, and helps our small businesses grow."
Helping turn dreams into reality
For immigrants like Aidee, coming to the U.S. means new opportunities, including the chance to own a business. Access to finance solutions for small businesses can help make it happen. Apply for an ACCION USA small business loan today.
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