The date for the 2014 San Diego Microfinance Summit event has officially been announced. The event will be held Tuesday, April 8th at the University of San Diego’s Joan B. Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice (IPJ). Please update your calendars, and continue to check here for more updates in the coming months! We look forward […]
San Diego Microfinance 
2014 San Diego Microfinance Summit
September 24 - December 3, 2025 - 4:15-5:30pm PST. Free live webcasted MBA microfinance and Impact Investing course brought to you by Living on One and Professor Sean Foote at Stanford University. Join 75 other campuses around the world for lectures from Professor Sean Foote and guest speakers. Prior speakers have included the heads of Grameen, […]
Wednesday, October 2, 2013, 7:00 – 9:00 pm; Free Film Screening and Session with filmmakers as part of the Changemaker FEST at USD The University of San Diego and the San Diego Microfinance Alliance cordially invite you to a screening of “Living on One Dollar,” followed by a dialogue with documentary filmmakers Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple. Where: Joan B. […]
2013 Leadership for Peace and Prosperity Summit
Friday, October 4, 2013, 8:30am - 12:30 pm; Where: Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Theatre - University of San Diego Info: http://www.sandiego.edu/peaceprosperity/ This morning summit is free and open to the public. To register, please visit: http://ahlers.kintera.org/peaceprosperitysummit The University of San Diego’s Ahlers Center for International Business and the Center for Peace and Commerce, along with the Institute for […]
Job Posting: IRC San Diego Microenterprise Business Counselor
The International Rescue Committee is seeking to hire a Microenterprise Business Counselor to work in their office located in San Diego, CA. The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. The IRC Microenterprise Program supports refugees to start and expand their own businesses by providing intensive […]
Accion is Hiring: Customer Service Representative
Accion San Diego is seeking to hire a Customer Service Representative to work in their office located in San Diego, CA. About Accion San Diego The mission of Accion San Diego as a non-profit organization is to create economic opportunity for primarily low to moderate income start-up and existing entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional credit. […]
IRC is Hiring: Microenterprise Loan Officer
The International Rescue Committee is seeking to hire a Microenterprise Loan Officer to work in their office located in San Diego, CA. The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. The IRC Microenterprise Program supports refugees to start and expand their own businesses by providing […]
IRC is Hiring: Microenterprise Business Counselor
The International Rescue Committee is seeking to hire a Microenterprise Business Counselor to work in their office located in San Diego, CA. The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. The IRC Microenterprise Program supports refugees to start and expand their own businesses by providing […]
Micro Enterprise Global Fellowship
Micro Enterprise Global Fellowship The Micro Enterprise Global Fellowship is a yearlong fellowship for individuals interested in microfinance and microenterprise in the developing world. The fellowship is ideal for those with educational or practical background in microfinance, microenterprise, agriculture, fundraising and/or international development. However, all interested individuals with a college degree are encouraged to […]
Local Efforts Toward Ending Poverty
Celebrating Local Efforts towards Ending Poverty Poverty isn’t something that exists only in other countries. It is very much real and tangible within our own communities here in San Diego. Come learn about its reality within SD and the USA, and hear inspiring stories from individuals who have benefited from local organizations that work to […]
Microfinance Meets the Theatre
Come support a local microfinance lender and see an inspiring play all in one evening! Microloans for Mothers, a San Diego based microfinance institution, is a planning a special theatre night on June 6th. The play, Extraordinary Chambers, by David Wiener tells the inspiring story of an American couple who travel to Cambodia for a business trip […]
IRC is Hiring: Microenterprise Program Manager
The International Rescue Committee is seeking to hire a Microenterprise Program Manager to work in their office located in San Diego, CA. The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. The IRC Microenterprise Program supports refugees to start and expand their own businesses by […]
Presentation: Microfinance Transparency
Presentation: Microfinance Transparency (March 13, 2026) Pricing transparency is a key issue in the effective implementation of domestic and international microfinance. Please join us for a lively presentation & discussion with Chuck Waterfield of Microfinance Transparency. Chuck will address topic such as: Why charge interest? What is a fair interest rate? How do loan products offered by different MFIs compare? […]
Celebrate. Connect. Collaborate.
Celebrating 5 years of furthering the reach and efficacy of microfinance in our region, the San Diego Microfinance Alliance continues to strive for greater innovation and collaboration. Hear from dynamic, internationally-acclaimed presenters as they share innovative ideas that are affecting positive social change today. Chris Crane, of Edify Inc. is a leader in international microfinance and […]
Accion San Diego is a non-profit organization striving to bring economic opportunity and access to financing to small business owners in San Diego County. Their mission is to create economic opportunity for primarily low-to-moderate income business owners who lack access to traditional sources of credit. Through business loans and support services, Accion San Diego strengthens […]
Bonsai People: The Vision of Muhammad Yunus The Foundation for Women, the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice and the San Diego Microfinance Alliance cordially invite you to a screening of “Bonsai People: The Vision of Muhammad Yunus,” followed by a dialogue with documentary filmmaker Holly Mosher to follow. When: Wednesday, June 20, 7:00 […]
Training Opportunity: Ending Poverty by Developing People
The debate over which types of development work yield the most sustainable results is over; those closely examining the issues see that poverty alleviation programs aimed towards education, training, and community organizing result in greater long-term empowerment than those programs geared towards developing and distributing items such as mosquito nets or water filters. This conclusion […]
We would like to thank the attendees, presenters, and other supporters who made the 2012 San Diego Microfinance Summit possible! We appreciate the numerous partnerships that have been built among microfinance institutions, donors, educators, students, local lenders, and interested community members to promote awareness and raise the profile of this important industry and look forward […]
Where’s the Money? Expo on Saturday, May 5th
On Saturday, May 5th, Accion San Diego is joining together with VEDC and CDC Small Business Finance to host the annual Where’s the Money Expo! The event is a comprehensive access to capital expo ideal for business owners looking for money for expansion, working capital, inventory, commercial real estate or equipment purchase. The event will be very […]
Bonsai People: A film about microcredit
The film Bonsai Peoplecelebrates Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus’ extraordinary humanitarian work, which started when he simply lent $27 to 42 people out of his own pocket. The film will be shown at the JOAN B. KROC INSTITUTE FOR PEACE & JUSTICE at the University of San Diego, on June 20th at 7pm. The […]
City Heights Earth Day Celebration, April 21st
There will be a community Earth Day celebration on April 21st that will benefit our micro-entrepreneurs at the City Heights Farmers’ market and community gardens! Anyone who may be interested is invited to attend this free and fun event. Please see the information below. EARTH DAY CELEBRATION IN CITY HEIGHTS Saturday, April 21st, 2012 9am – […]
New article in the San Diego Business Journal about the 2012 Summit
ACCION, CDC, and the San Diego Microfinance Summit are all mentioned in this great article featured in the March 26th edition of the San Diego Business Journal. To read more, check out the article here on Page 7. Don’t forget to get your tickets for the 2012 Microfinance Summit, which will be held at the […]
March IRC Entrepreneur of the Month
The IRC recently recognized Mary Page as the March 2012 Entrepreneur of the Month. The following article is reposted from the IRC website. “IRC has been like a family to me. Without the support of the IRC, my business would not be as successful as it is today.” - Mary Page, Owner, Tropical Heritage Personal Background: Mary […]
Samuel Adams and ACCION have partnered to help food, beverage and hospitality small business owners in New England, New York City, Ohio, and the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania to provide the tools they need to help their businesses succeed. Through the Brewing the American Dream Program, small businesses can receive loans from $500-$25,000. Boston Beer […]
Celebrate International Women’s Day and enter to win drawing items!
Celebrate the 101st Anniversary of International Women’s Day! Sunday, March 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. At the Great Hall of International House, UCSD campus, La Jolla Register and secure your opportunity drawing tickets below! Meet recipients of microfinance loans Sample scrumptious ethnic dishes prepared by recipients of microfinance loans and services in San […]
2012 Microfinance Summit registration is up!
The 2012 Microfinance Summit information page and registration link is now active! Register Today! Held at the Joan B. Kroc institute at the University of San Diego, the 2012 San Diego Microfinance Summit will be an all day event that features keynote speakers from the microfinance industry, provides an opportunity to meet and support local microfinance […]
Spanish speakers event on Credit and Obtaining Capital, February 9th
ACCION San Diego is putting on an event for Spanish speakers on Credit and Obtaining Capital on Thursday, February 9th from 8:30am to 10:30am. The information in Spanish can be found below - all are welcome to attend! Conozca su crédito y prepárese para obtener capital para su negocio ACCION San Diego le presenta dos […]
Krochet Kids: an interesting global microfinance initiative
Krochet Kids International is a cause-driven accessories brand that is working to eradicate poverty through sustainable economic development programs and unique, one-of-a-kind products. The organization is currently working in Northern Uganda and Peru to fulfill its mission statement – to empower people to rise above poverty. They have just started a new program creating a […]
ACCION San Diego: Achieve your 2012 resolutions
The New Year is a time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the upcoming year. ACCION San Diego and its clients want to help you stick to your goals and resolutions. Here is a list of ACCION SD’s top eight new year’s resolutions and some ways we can help you achieve […]
Pubfish: A new social media marketing tool aimed at small businesses
Pubfish is a new social media marketing tool specifically designed for microbusinessess and non-profits, and is totally free to the business owner. For more information, please find a few links to some of their products below: Main Site: www.pubfish.com Blog: http://blog.pubfish.com/ Quick Video/Slides: http://www.pubfish.com/images/videos/tour.mov They are also hosting a few webinars in the next couple […]
ACCION San Diego gets recognition in online journal
ACCION San Diego was recently mentioned in an online journal focusing on local issues and public policy. Below is an excerpt from the article written by Adam Pollacy for the San Diego Public Policy Examiner: A low income and a low credit score that cost the local the opportunity to get a traditional loan from […]
2012 Microfinance Summit Date Announced!!!
The date for the 2012 San Diego Microfinance Summit event has officially been announced!! The event will be held Wednesday, April 4th at the University of San Diego. Please update your calendars, and continue to check here for more updates in the coming months! We look forward to seeing you there!
Access Inc. and the YES Program Holiday Bazaar, Dec. 10th
Join us for a fantastic afternoon of culinary delights and shopping while supporting our Youth and Women’s Programs! December 10th, 2011 11:30am to 3:00pm. Some of the available items will include: Farmers Market Locally grow organic produce *Grown by youth at San Pasqual Academy* Baked Goods Kupcakes for Kenya *Portions of the proceeds will go […]
ACCION San Diego holiday gift ideas
Support our Clients! The holidays are here! Support microfinance and shop local while you’re shopping for your family and friends. Check out these ACCION clients who are offering holiday savings! Dallmann Fine Chocolates 2670 Via De La Valle, Ste. A270 Del Mar, CA 92014 (858) 720-1933 www.dallmanconfections.com Get 10% off your order when you mention […]
IRC Bus Tour Event - 9 spots left!
Interested in supporting refugee-owned and microfinance-supported businesses in San Diego? There are still 9 spots available on the IRC Bus Tour! Please join The International Rescue Committee in San Diego & Google Places San Diego as we sample the fare from local restaurants and promote domestic microfinance initiatives. IRC Micro-Finance Bus Tour December 10th, 10:30am—12:30pm […]
ACCION Texas CEO asked to join White House financial council
National microfinance update - President Barack Obama has nominated Janie Barrera, the founding president and CEO of ACCION Texas, to serve on the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability. Since ACCION Texas began in 1994, the San Antonio-based lender has approved more than $112 million dollars in small-business loans. What will this mean for microfinance […]
Accion San Diego microfinance job opportunity
ACCION San Diego, a mission-driven non-profit organization that is committed to increasing income and access to jobs for self-employed men and women who lack access to traditional forms of business credit, is currently hiring! ACCION focuses on providing credit and other support services to these small business owners, formally known as microentrepreneurs, and is looking […]
IRC Microfinance Restaurant Tasting Bus Tour Event
Interested in supporting refugee-owned and microfinance-supported businesses in San Diego? Join The International Rescue Committee in San Diego & Google Places San Diego as we sample the fare from local restaurants and promote domestic microfinance initiatives. IRC Micro-Finance Bus Tour December 10th, 10:30am—12:30pm $20 per person $15 with student ID. The bus will leave the […]
Come visit the Foundation for Women holiday bazaar on December 2nd!
Get all of your holiday shopping done in one place on December 2nd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., while supporting the industrious women of FFW! Meet the women and support their efforts by purchasing heir handmade jewelry, bags, clothing, arts, crafts and much more. It is the only bazaar that offers the most personal […]
Starbucks begins new microfinance funding campaign
Starbucks, a company that has endured criticism as a corporate chain for putting smaller local coffee shops out of business, is launching a new program entitled “Create Jobs for USA”. The program focuses on the unemployment crisis, and the campaign relies on colorful wristbands as their primary marketing tactic. The bracelets, made in America and […]
Women’s Empowerment International’s (WE) first visit to Ghana
In early September seven members of Women’s Empowerment International (WE), the San Diego based non- profit organization - Winifred Cox and her husband Gary Schultz, Kirsten Hanson, Mary Rutland, Sandy Hoover and Chris and Steve Heller - returned from a visit to WE’s newest partner, WomensTrust in Pokuase, Ghana. Pokuase is a small but growing […]
New Microfinance Simulcast opportunity
Greetings from the San Diego Microfinance Alliance! The Microfinance Simulcast is here! The Microfinance Club of Point Loma Nazarene University will be hosting this speaker series, we hope that you can join! Dates (all Wednesdays): 10/26, 11/2, 11/16, 11/23, and 12/7 Time: 4pm – 6pm Location: Point Loma Nazarene University, FSB 101 Cost: On-Campus Students […]
Microfinance Client Profile: Hamadi Mobile Mechanic
Hamadi Machiwa is the owner and operator at Hamadi Mobile Mechanic and has served the San Diego County community for the past 7 years. Mr. Hamadi has a lifetime of experience as a mechanic, fabricator, and welder. Hamadi can design, repair and build items, and in the past has designed trailers for pick-up trucks, custom […]
KIVA celebrates it’s 6th birthday!
In honor of Kiva’s 6th birthday, events will be held this October in 10 cities to celebrate 6 years of making loans to deserving entrepreneurs around the world. Each celebration will provide lending stations with the opportunity to make a Kiva loan. The celebrations will be held in the following cities across the globe: Los […]
Are You Interested in a Micro-Finance Internship?
Micro-Finance is a rapidly growing field, and an internship can be a great way to gain experience and exposure. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, they offer lifesaving care and life-changing […]
Growing Your Business, With Google Places
Growing Your Business: How to find financing and use free marketing tools like Google Places Google and ACCION San Diego bring you a FREE educational workshop to boost your online visibility and increase your business’ financial strength. At this workshop you will… Leran how to finance your business start-up or expansion Learn how to utilize […]
Honoring the Women in Our Lives Luncheon
Join The Foundation for Women for the 13th Annual Honoring the Women in Our Lives Luncheon. This year the Foundation for Women (FFW) is celebrating women in philanthropy and those who support women and girls. To help us celebrate, keynote speaker Helen LaKelly Hunt, PhD., will bring her vast experience and passion for the issues affecting women […]
Interested in participating in service to assist individuals who have an amazing idea, but need some guidance and support to turn an idea into an action? A person can implement their skills and passion to serve youth, adults, and others in an anti-poverty campaign via microfinance! To learn about and see first-hand a community of […]
Microfinance Investment Transparency & Evaluation Webinar
Now more than ever, in the microfinance industry, transparency and objective evaluation is needed to rise above criticism and offer stakeholders a realistic perspective on the risk and returns related to microfinance investment. Chuck Waterfield, founder of MFTransparency, and Sebastian von Stauffenberg, CEO of MicroRate, will host a webinar focusing specifically on the role of […]
ACCION San Diego Part-Time Marketing and Resource Manager 20-25 Hours per Week Job Description About ACCION San Diego ACCION San Diego is a non-profit organization that creates economic opportunity for start-up and existing entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional credit. The organization’s mission is to increase income and job stability for primarily low-to-moderate income […]
San Diego’s 1st World Refugee Day Event
San Diego is the refugee resettlement capital of the world, offering more refugee families and individuals a safe haven and a chance to rebuild their lives than any other area of similar size around the globe. For years, many countries and regions have been holding various Refugee Days and even Weeks. In 2000, the UN […]
Dana Dakin, founder of WomensTrust, will speak at annual meeting on June 5th
Women’s Empowerment is pleased to announce that Dana Dakin, founder of WomensTrust, our new partnership microfinance bank in Ghana, will speak at our annual meeting Sunday, June 5. At age 60, Dana, a former investment consultant from New Hampshire, founded WomensTrust (WT) with the goal of uplifting African women, their families and communities out of […]
San Diego MicroFinance Alliance
The San Diego Microfinance Alliance (SDMFA) is a consortium of local microfinance practitioners, donors, educators, students and professionals. The SDMFA provides useful tools to local microfinance organizations and supports efforts to bring awareness about microfinance to the public. Website: http://sdmicrofinance.org/
Alliance Summer Internship Opportunities
Are you looking for an opportunity to get your foot in the door to begin a career in microfinance? Or maybe just interested in finding a worthwhile cause to get involved in this summer? There are two incredible opportunities to intern for the Microfinance Alliance. The Alliance has over 13 microfinance partner organizations in San […]
A non-profit small business lender that offers loans from $300-35,000. Phone: (619) 795-7250, Website: www.accionsandiego.org
Saturday, May 21st ACCION San Diego will be hosting a 4 hour intensive, hands-on training workshop regarding the basics of implementing and utilizing Intuit’s QuickBooks software for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The “QuickBooks Basics” course will be instructed by a team of CPAs and accounting experts, including Mayumi Young and Frances Cortez from CPA MOMS. […]
The International Rescue Committee‘s 3rd Annual International Documentary Film Series has come to the La Jolla Village Cinemas (Landmark) located in the Whole Foods Shopping Mall at Nobel and the 5 fwy. 100% of tickets sales go to the IRC in San Diego! The IRC provides opportunities for refugees to thrive in America. Each year, […]
Come join the BEST MICROFINANCE NETWORKING EVENT of the year on Thursday, April 28th! Held at the Joan B. Kroc institute at the University of San Diego, the 2011 San Diego Microfinance Summit will be an all day event from 8:15am to 4:30pm. It will feature keynote speakers from the microfinance industry and provides an […]
Join ACCION San Diego, CDC Small Business Finance, and VEDC for a day of Education, Resources & Business Growth at the 2nd annual Access to Capital Business Expo! The Expo includes breakfast, lunch, workshops, and One on One Consultations! Saturday April 16th from 8am-2:30pm! Discuss your financing needs in a one-on-one consultation Obtain information from […]
Department of Veterans Affairs
Aids veterans with various issues including business opportunities. Phone: 800.949.8387 or 202.461.4300, Website: www.va.gov/osdbu
To Catch A Dollar In San Diego
A new documentary film by filmmaker, Gayle Ferraro, TO CATCH A DOLLAR: MUHAMMAD YUNUS BANKS ON AMERICA is inspiring, logic-defying, yet true story of one man’s idea, a strange new kind of bank, and the millions of lives it’s changed — around the world and here in the United States. The film will be playing […]
Learn more about the world of Microfinance and join the San Diego Microfinance Alliance (SDMFA), the Center for International Development at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), the School of International Relations & Pacific Studies and the EPTEAM Network Association at University of California-San Diego (UCSD), for three sessions of Microfinance 102, the continuation of Microfinance […]
Success Story from Foundation for Women
Meet Foundation for Women (FFW) microcredit borrower, Malou Gibson, who is now on her second FFW loan cycle with the Foundation for Women. Malou is a Holistic Health Care Practitioner who worked for various spas in San Diego by day and did computer work for hospitals at night, sneaking in a few hours of sleep […]
What is a Microfinance Alliance Partner? Meet VIA International, just one of many incredible San Diego based organizations dedicated to building “paths to self-reliance for an interdependent world!” Focus is placed on community based programs designed to improve the quality of people’s lives through nutrition and ecology training, community leadership education and microcredit and microenterprise […]
How do you plan to celebrate 100 years of women’s economic, political and social achievements? We encourage you to join Women’s Empowerment International, International House, UCSD’s Women’s Center, EPTEAM Network, and Women Equity Council at the United Nations Association of San Diego (WECUNASD) at UCSD on March 6th for International Women’s Day! This event promises to […]
Careers in International Development
As the New Year is underway the Center for International Development would like to invite you to consider two important questions. Firstly, can business ideas be used to address global poverty? Secondly, what kinds of careers are possible in the field of international development? If you’d like to learn the answers to these and many […]
As we begin the New Year, I’d like to take a moment to reflect. When we think about all that The San Diego Microfinance Alliance and its partners have done throughout 2010 it is amazing. When we think about how much more there is to do, it can be both exciting and overwhelming. For those […]
Social Change-One Class at a Time
As the fall semester of the academic year comes to a close, we would like to take a moment to highlight the efforts of two socially minded professors and their class. Dr. Judith Liu and Dr. Donald Kelly, professors in the sociology department at the University of San Diego, taught a course entitled Social Change: Global […]
In a recent press release, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the introduction of a free guidebook for small business owners. This guidebook is the result of collaboration between SBA and Microsoft. The guidebook is called Business Technology Simplified and it was created with the intent of helping small business owners navigate the already […]
Microfinance at USD’s Alternative Gift Fair
Each year around Thanksgiving we begin to hear Christmas music on the radio and see holiday decorations at the mall. This time of year generally corresponds to large discounts and preparing gift lists for those special people in our lives. However, what do we get for someone that seems to have it all? What do […]
Microfinance Means More than Mini Money Management
When we hear the word “microfinance”, support and encouragement may not be the first words that come to mind. However, with the growth in awareness of microfinance initiatives these words are likely to follow shortly after one’s initial thoughts. To further illustrate the relationship between microfinance and the support & encouragement it produces, I’d like […]
Despite advances in technology, it remains difficult to support others from a distance. From a distance, it is easier to misunderstand the support others really need. From a distance, it is easier to minimize the severity of the situation in which others find themselves. From a distance, it is easier to get distracted with our […]
As a young man in college, my appreciation for a home cooked meal grew exponentially. These days a home cooked meal is almost as rare as teenager without an iPod. Fortunately, there is an upcoming event that will provide for those of us daydreaming about homemade tamales and envisioning a world without poverty. On Sunday, […]
Building Friendships, Building Business
Each Tuesday morning a group of like minded women gather to celebrate the past week’s successes, learn from the past week’s setbacks and support each other as they build their businesses. There are many groups like this around San Diego and around the world. However, working with this group has given us a glimpse into […]
Calling All Women in Business: 2 Hours to Empower & Inspire
Attention all female entrepreneurs and those that support them. Next Thursday, October 28th, is a wonderful opportunity for both existing & aspiring female entrepreneurs to learn more about how they can begin to make their dreams a reality! Interested yet? Well, read on. ACCION San Diego has brought together community partners and local businesses to present […]
Do you know anybody interested in losing weight?
I imagine we both know that is not really a fair question. Firstly, the media in America (and other places around the world) promotes a body image that can actually be quite unhealthy. Secondly, losing weight only takes care of the surface issue of how you look. With these thoughts in mind, a better question […]
Virtual Conference Promotes Real Progress
Can you remember the last conference you attended? Was it out of town? How much was the registration fee (Not to mention the travel expenses)? Do you remember how you decided whether or not you would attend? In most cases, we compare the costs and benefits of investing in the educational opportunity and if the […]
Are you Interested or Committed?
If you’re reading this blog then we can both be pretty sure you’re interested…but you could also be lost. It is our hope that you are, in fact, interested and that you are ready to move closer to commitment. But what is it specifically that we hope you are interested or committed to?As a visitor […]
Meet the International Rescue Committee
San Diego is home to one of the International Rescue Committee’s 22 United States resettlement offices, which together have helped 20,000 newly arrived refugees resettle upon arrival and then navigate their new environment and incorporate into the culture. The goal is to help refugees survive and thrive in the U.S. Since 2000, IRC San Diego’s […]
Free Round Robin Expert Small Business Workshop!
We are very excited to invite you to an upcoming September workshop organized by our partner ACCION. During this special 3-hour event, participants will have the chance to meet with 6 different “coaches” in 20-minute increments. Before and after the round-robin, participants will have the opportunity to network with fellow small business owners, the round-robin coaches/experts, […]
Meet the Foundation for Women: An Alliance Partner
The Foundation for Women is a nonprofit organization that strives to continually support and encourage impoverished women, both globally and locally, by funding and creating microcredit programs. By providing these women with the funds and proper tools for a successful business endeavor, they are able to support their families and help their local communities grow. […]
Microfinance Spotlight: Rocio - Handmade Crafts
Microfinance Spotlight: Rocio works with La Maestra, a SDMFA partner. “It feels good to be able to do something after I had the stroke and to have the chance to teach positive things to people. I helped a blind Cuban woman make her own purses, and that was very satisfying because it helped this woman […]
Muhammad Yunus and Lisa Simpson
Yeardley Smith, commonly known as the voice of Lisa Simpson, is one of several celebrity figures that have enthusiastically supported microfinance in recent years. Smith was the plenary speaker at the 2010 San Diego Microfinance Summit that was held this past April at the University of San Diego. Sharing from her experience of visiting Fonkoze, one of […]
Loan Local, Helping California Businesses
Amanda Keppert, pictured above, obtained a $6,500 loan at a 6.5% interest rate through the Opportunity Fund (a California microlender). Prior to accepting a microfinance loan, Amanda applied and was rejected for loans at traditional banks. Keppert believes she would have lost Mandy’s Korner, her hot dog stand, if it weren’t for the microfinance loan she […]
Community Development Spotlight: Promotoras Project
Through an innovative promotoria (community outreach) initiative, Via International (a partner of the SDMFA) and Los Niños have been able to support the development of promotoras (female outreach workers) and assist them in breaking the cycle of poverty and improving quality of life for themselves, their families, and their communities. In collaboration with the Universidad […]
Local Events Geared Towards Small Business Owners
SDMFA partner ACCION is holding two events in San Diego that are geared towards small business owners. You can find more information about both events, and other microfinance-related activities by visiting our local events calendar. This Thursday, ACCION is holding a Multicultural Women’s Business Luncheon. The luncheon will feature internationally acclaimed speaker Dee Sanford, who […]
ACCION Client Spotlight Ludwig Law Firm, A.P.C. Lucy Ludwig works as an attorney out of her 1940′s two-bedroom, ocher-colored stucco house in Normal Heights. Armed with a J.D. from California Western School of Law, a L.L.M. from the University of San Diego, and a bilingual skill-set, she opened the doors of Ludwig Law Firm in […]
Help Alleviate Poverty Through Microcredit: Event
Join us for the “How to Responsibly Invest in Microfinance” speaker event here in San Diego on July 15th. Terry Provance, Executive Director of OikoCredit USA, will give a detailed presentation on how you can begin making financial investments that impact the lives of the working poor around the globe. Mr. Provance presented at this […]
The History of Microfinance in the U.S.
The Opportunity Fund developed a microlending timeline, complete with a one page overview of the history of microfinance in the U.S. for their annual conference. The timeline stretches from 1973, when ShoreBank Corporation began to provide investment capital to business owners who were denied access to credit by larger financial institutions, to 2010 when the first […]
There are 800 million rural subsistence farmers around the world and each one of them are relying on their land for survival. Many farmers have to use slash and burn agriculture to create more land to plant cash crops or clear cut forests to produce charcoal and provide enough income to support their families. These […]
Documentary On Microfinance In San Diego
Collaborative Capital is a 20 minute documentary that paints a picture of domestic microfinance in San Diego. Produced by Kaley Hearnsberger, recent graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University, the film interviews local microlenders and local borrowers to illustrate how microfinance is empowering individuals, creating jobs, and helping entrepreneurs live out their dreams. The film also […]
Free Social Media Class for Small Businesses
Want to start a twitter, facebook, and blog for your business, but aren’t sure how to start? San Diego Microfinance Alliance’s partner, ACCION, is having a free social media class for small businesses. The class is split up into two parts: a social networking 101 and preparing your bolg or landing page to get the most […]
2010 Microfinance USA Conference
Join leading practitioners of microfinance in the U.S. for the 2010 Microfinance USA conference (in San Francisco). Drawing upon the overwhelming success and momentum generated by the 2009 Microfinance, CA conference, Microfinance USA will bring together investors, policymakers, social entrepreneurs, practitioners, small business owners, and curious individuals to explore how microfinance produces jobs, increases incomes, […]
2010 Summit Draws Interest In Investing
An influx of investor capital into microfinance has prompted the industry to re-examine its mission and purpose, one speaker at the San Diego Microfinance Summit said Wednesday. “You’re having a bifurcation in the industry,” said Terry Provance, executive director of international private microcredit provider Oikocredit. “With the overflow into microcredit now, that money has become […]
2nd Annual Microfinance Summit In San Diego
The San Diego Microfinance Summit will take place April 28th from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. The summit will bring together students, business owners, members of the community, microlenders, bankers, and many others to learn, network, and become more involved in microfinance. The summit will highlight both international microfinance issues as well as teach about the local micro-lending climate.
$2 Dollar Challenge Hits San Diego Campuses
The Two Dollar Challenge (TDC) is an organization made up almost entirely of students who are working to bring the realities of poverty into the public eye and find solutions to issues that many are passionate about. Nearly half of the world’s population lives on only $2 per day. For one week they’re asking college […]
Young Ambassadors For Opportunity Meet In San Diego
Looking for a way to get involved with other like minded individuals and raise support and awareness for microfinance? Come and meet the newly formed Young Ambassadors For Opportunity Chapter here in San Diego. See Anne’s invitation below. Join us for an evening of inspiration as we share with you the mission of Young Ambassadors […]
Microfinance Spotlight: IRC Microenterprise
The IRC Microenterprise Program was established in 2001 to provide refugees and asylees a way to overcome the challenges they faced with self-employment and small business development in the United States. The program specializes in one-on-one technical assistance, or business consulting, but also provides loans up to $15,000 to help refugees start or expand their […]
ACCION San Diego Client Spotlight SWEET TREATS The Hip, Sleek Ice-Cream Truck for the Young at Heart! Picture an old school ice cream truck transformed to look like a 1950′s Hot Rod. Then add a killer stereo system, along with a selection of the finest quality ice cream bars, gourmet cookies & brownies, hot drinks, snacks, […]
Grameen Foundation helps the world’s poorest, especially women, improve their lives and escape poverty through access to microfinance and technology. By leveraging large scale, easy-to-replicate solutions to end the cycle of poverty in developing countries around the world they are able to leverage the knowledge and expertise of local partners to create the most effective programs […]
Partnership Helps Small Biz Secure Much-Needed Financing
The San Diego Business Journal posted an article on the CDC, an SDMFA partner, and its collaboration with two local nonprofits to help small business owners receive necessary financing. Click here to read the full article.
Muhammad Yunus Speaking In Los Angeles
San Diego, this is just a short drive north and a very reasonably priced ticket to hear the most influential figure in microfinance speak live on February 26th at 4:00pm. Join the CSU Channel Islands community (students, faculty, staff, and administrators) as they welcome Dr. Muhammad Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and 2009 Presidential […]
Africa - Middle East Regional Microcredit Summit
Join Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus, and more than 2,000 delegates from over 40 countries at the Africa - Middle East Regional Microcredit Summit to be held April 7-10, 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya. The gathering is co-organized by the Microcredit Summit Campaign and the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Kenya (AMFI). The chair of […]
Young Ambassadors For Opportunity International
Are you a young professional interested in spreading the word about microfinance among San Diegans? The San Diego Microfinance Alliance would like to introduce Anne Edwardson, a local Sandiegan and supporter of Opportunity International’s microfinance work. Opportunity International was one of the very first microfinance organizations along with Grameen Bank and Fundacion Paraguaya. Anne is a […]
HOPE International President Coming To San Diego
Come and hear Peter Greer, President of Hope International, speak about how to utilize microfinance as a tool in alleviating poverty in some of the poorest regions of the world. Some say there is no such thing as free lunch, but on November 18th there is! Please come and join us. Make sure to RSVP […]
Microfinance 101 Course This October
The Microfinance 101 course is a 4-week session that covers the history, basic theories, and current trends in the microfinance industry, as well as provide an understanding of how microfinance is being utilized in San Diego today. Hosted by the San Diego Microfinance Alliance and the Point Loma Nazarene University Microfinance Club, the course is […]
ACCION San Diego Client in the News
ACCION San Diego client, Lawrence Wells, was featured on KUSI news for his micro-loan funded business, DLM Marine. To see the video, use this link: http://www.kusi.com/news/goodmorning/44718117.html?video=YHI&t=a
President Obama Awards Dr. Yunus With Medal Of Honor
On August 12th, President Barack Obama awarded 16 U.S. and International “agents of change” with the Medal of Honor award. One of the recipients of America’s highest civilian honor was Dr. Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank. Often noted as the pioneer of microfinance, Yunus began the afamed microfinance institution with just $27. Today, the […]
San Diegans Support Project Concern Through Fun Events
Project Concern International is a non-profit organization that is focused on relieving the world of poverty and chronic disease. Motivated by their concern for the world’s most vulnerable children, families, and communities, Project Concern International (PCI) envisions a world where abundant resources are shared, communities are able to provide for the health and well being […]
3 Reasons to Support Local Farmer’s Markets
The societal and environmental benefits of shopping for local produce are overwhelming even though often overlooked. The economic benefits, especially in direct relation to local small business are even more impressive. This article aims to encourage and inspire local microfinance supporters to continue to support local small business by shopping at San Diego’s many farmer’s […]
The mission of the San Diego Microfinance Alliance is to raise the profile of microfinance in San Diego. Our vision for doing this is two fold. First, we simply want to share how microfinance can empower the poor and disenfranchised to lift themselves out of poverty. Second, we want to find innovative opportunities for the […]
Local Finance Helps Create Dr. Clark Store
Purity means everything to Oskar Thorvaldsson because he wants his nutrition supplement products to have the maximum impact on his customers’ health. “Most supplements have extra ingredients in them, flow agents, release agents, coatings and colors, which are not desirable to all consumers,” said Thovaldsson, owner of Dr. Clark Store. Thorvaldsson buys fresh, high-quality ingredients […]
Join the San Diego Microfinance Alliance’s lending team on Kiva! SDFMA is steadily gaining more team members and more loans for a bigger collective impact on Kiva.org Kiva is the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs around the globe. On Kiva, individuals can loan directly to micro-entrepreneurs […]
Obama promotes ACCION CEO to Cabinet Position
A great illustration of the rapid rise of microfinance is the promotion of a leading figure in microfinance to an important government position. Maria Otero, President and CEO of ACCION International, has been chosen by the Obama Administration to fill one of the six positions of Under Secretaries of Global Affairs who lead the U.S. […]
Kiva, Accion USA and Opportunity Fund: Invest in US Small Biz
According to ReadWriteWeb (RWW), a tech, startup and social media news site, Kiva.org, Opportunity Fund, and Accion USA have teamed up to allow one version of microfiance to thrive domestically. They’re partnering to allow you to invest in U.S. based small businesses at a time where we need the economic help from anyone who can […]
Microlending in Liberia with the Foundation for Women
I just arrived in Liberia last night after a harrowing tri-continent journey. As a surfer, I am excited to explore a new coastline, as a traveler I am excited to explore a new continent, and as a microfinance practitioner, I am excited to work on a new project. I am a native San Diegan, die-hard […]
Grameen Takes Microfinance to Omaha
Eighteen months after Grameen America launched a pilot program of microcredit lending in Queens, New York, it has announced plans to expand its model into Omaha, Nebraska. Although microfinance has been available in the United States for some time, most providers use a model that more closely resembles the traditional banking model. Grameen America uses […]
San Diego Microfinance Summit 2009
SAN DIEGO—April 6, 2009: The first San Diego Microfinance Summit will be held on Thursday, May 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice on the campus of University of San Diego. The conference, which will highlight the local and international work of San Diego’s microfinance […]
Offers programs and training for entrepreneurs in the life sciences and technology industries. Phone: 858.964.1300, Website: www.connect.org
San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Offers networking and training events. Phone: 858.268.0790, Website: www.sdchcc.com
Provides advice and business resources such as a financial resource center, business solutions, businesses for sale, B2B leads and more. Phone: 415.694.5000, Website: www.allbusiness.com
