FRESNO, CA: Access Plus Capital is now able to provide full wrap-around services, help more small businesses, and expand jobs in underserved communities throughout the Central Valley. The $503,000 in new funding will support Access Plus Capital’s newly created Business Services Department, which provides no-cost support before and after the loan process, one-on-one business coaching, and help to businesses as they restart and recover due to COVID-19.
Since April 2020, Access Plus Capital has assisted 1,118 businesses with $5,750,00 COVID-19 small business relief in addition to supporting more than 3000 businesses with federal and local relief applications, loan deferrals, and pandemic response business coaching. The recent funding from federal and state grants turns Access Plus Capital into more than a lender; now, they are a one-stop-shop.
“With this new funding, it will increase our capacity to support businesses recovery and even some to grow,” says Tate Hill, Access Plus Capital’s Executive Director. “Now, we can provide even more services that includes business planning, developing financial statements, and one-on-one loan application assistance.”
The mission-based lender has learned that many entrepreneurs need more than just capital to grow the business. Hill continues, “we want our borrowers to have a successful business. Access Plus Capital is one of their biggest cheerleaders, and we are here to help them every step of the way.”
Staff help small businesses become loan ready when they apply; guiding borrowers navigate through lending options, credit enhancement programs, and helping them assemble all the necessary items for the application process.
“We realize how hard businesses are hit during this pandemic, and we are here to help,” says Ana Medina, Director of Business Development and Services. “Even if you aren’t yet approved for a loan, or you are just getting your application ready, we have a team of caring, dedicated, and trained staff, ready to offer one-on-one assistance and support the needs of our Central Valley businesses.”
Medina has been working with central California small businesses for more than ten years, and for her, Access Plus Capital is more than just a lending option. After loan approval, the staff continues working with the business to review financial statements, regular check-ins, and host business workshops on various growth topics. Loan officers, coupled with business coaching services, allow business owners to get the full wrap-around services they need to succeed.
About Access Plus Capital
Access Plus Capital (formerly Fresno CDFI) offers financing, training, and asset development services for low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2009, the multilingual staff – experienced in micro-finance, credit counseling, business plan development, and advocacy for low-income families – has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs realize their dreams. Access Plus Capital serves a 14-county region in Central California and is a subsidiary of Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC). More information can be found here: www.AccessPlusCapital.com.