-Editorial
Accessity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs through micro-lending and business support, celebrated its 30th anniversary with a heartfelt event at the newly inaugurated Cambria Hotel in Imperial, California. The celebration marked seven successful years in the Imperial Valley, where Accessity has played a vital role in helping small businesses thrive.
Larisa Urias, Business Development Officer for Accessity, opened the evening by expressing gratitude to the community, clients, and partners who have been instrumental in the organization’s success. “We’re here to serve the community by offering loans ranging from $500 to $100,000 to help people start or grow their businesses,” she said. Urias recognized key collaborators, including Viridiana Rosales-Trujillo, Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and Oscar Aguilar, a client and owner of Paleteria La Cachanilla, a handmade dessert shop in El Centro.
Urias highlighted the inspiring journey of Calexico Brewing Company, one of Accessity’s long-standing clients. “They’ve been in business for almost six years now and have shown incredible resilience, especially through COVID. We’re so proud to have supported their dream,” she shared.
Oscar Aguilar, owner of Paleteria La Cachanilla located at 1643 W. Main Street in El Centro, California, reflected on his own entrepreneurial journey. “Since opening in 2018, it’s been almost seven years of ups and downs, but I’ve grown so much professionally,” Aguilar said. He praised Accessity for helping him secure the loan that brought his family-owned business to life. Aguilar emphasized the importance of inspiring future generations, stating, “We need to create programs or tools that attract young people to entrepreneurship and show them the value of starting something of their own.”
The evening also celebrated the strong partnership between Accessity and the Imperial County SBDC. Viridiana Rosales-Trujillo, Center Manager, received an award recognizing her team’s dedication to supporting local entrepreneurs. “This award isn’t mine—it belongs to our team,” Trujillo said. She highlighted the shared mission of both organizations: empowering small business owners with the tools and resources needed for success.
Trujillo also spoke about the SBDC’s focus on supporting women entrepreneurs through monthly Women in Business networking events. “We’ve created a safe space for women business owners to collaborate, grow, and learn from one another. The response has been amazing, and we’re committed to continuing this effort,” she said.
Accessity’s mission is to provide financial opportunities primarily to entrepreneurs of color, women, and immigrants, helping them build successful businesses and improve their livelihoods while strengthening their communities. With over 30 years of experience in Southern California, Accessity has supported thousands of small business owners through the challenges of entrepreneurship, particularly those lacking adequate capital. Thanks to access to business loans and a strong resource network, Accessity clients maintain a 94% business survival rate, nearly double the national average. The organization tailors its services with equitable eligibility criteria, offering capital, resources, and education that cater to the unique needs of each entrepreneur.
