Fresno, CA (November 14, 2024) – Access Plus Capital (APC), a leading Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in Central California, is thrilled to announce the award of a $120,000 grant earlier this year. This critical funding will fuel a strategic initiative focused on bridging the gap between rural communities and climate justice solutions.
Empowering Entrepreneurs and Fostering Sustainability
The initiative will provide grants, loans, and support to climate-friendly businesses, foster innovation in rural startups through mentorship and resources, and address equity by targeting funding for minority-owned, women-owned, and underserved rural businesses.
A Legacy of Impact
Since its inception, Access Plus Capital has deployed over $60 million to support more than 1,000 borrowers with business coaching and workshops, focusing on microlending for low-to-moderate income communities, especially entrepreneurs of color and women, fostering economic opportunity and equity.
Wells Fargo has been a partner from the beginning with a $200,000 grant investment. To date, Access Plus has invested over $13 million in central California’s rural businesses and numerous small business energy efficiency projects through POWER Loans.
Bridging the Gap
“This grant is a big step toward connecting rural communities with climate justice solutions,” said Tate Hill, President & CEO of Access Plus Capital.
“We recognize the crucial role small businesses play in driving economic growth and creating jobs,” said Kären Woodruff, Senior Vice president, Community Relations, Wells Fargo. “Our support of Access Plus Capital is a testament to our commitment to helping small businesses succeed and our dedication to strengthening the economic fabric of California’s rural business community.”
About Access Plus Capital
Access Plus Capital is a mission-driven CDFI dedicated to eliminating economic barriers to financial success through fair and equitable community investment. We serve 15 counties in California’s Central Valley, providing essential capital and business coaching in underinvested communities and supporting small business ecosystems.
Contact: Ushan Samarakone, Chief of Staff, at ushan.samarakone@accesspluscapital.com
Office: (559) 552-4321 | 2607 Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93721