Accion Chicago clients are men and women from a variety of different age, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. Some of our clients are recent immigrants; others have lived in the midwest their whole lives. All of them have the entrepreneurial spirit that is the foundation for a thriving business community. Our clients have opened a variety of local businesses throughout the Chicago metro area. Whether you're picking up a flower arrangement, grabbing a bite to eat, or talking to contractors about that new addition, you may very well run into an Accion Chicago client.
Click on the pictures below to read full client success stories.
"It's a wonderful thing to be in charge of your one destiny."
Business: First Steps Childcare, Ashburn, Chicago, IL
Client: Kimberly Pickens
Loan: $13,000 to renovate the business, second loan of $16,000 for furnishings and more supplies
"You have to keep setting higher goals to really achieve all that you want."
Business: Lady Lighting and Contracting Company, Naperville, IL
Client: Sharon Stetzer
Loan: First loan for $15,000, second loan for $15,000 and third loan for $20,000, all of which were used to expand her business and provide the necessary working capital to bid on large projects
"The loan process at Accion was a very easy process."
Business: Omni Cleaners, Aurora, IL
Client: Areum Chai
Loan: $6,000 term loan to hire more employees
"I don't believe in luck. I believe in planning and preparation."
Business: Orlando's Barber Studio, Hyde Park, Chicago, IL
Client: Orlando Burns
Loan: $2,500 start-up term loan to buy supplies
"The loan helped me to secure three new accounts"
Business: Azteka General Contractors, Elk Grove Village, IL
Client: Marina Tapia
Loan: $10,000 loan for supplies and working capital, second loan of $20,000 working capital loan for further expansion