Article featuring Opportunity Fund's microlending and our efforts to help small businesses get the capital they need to expand their operations. Features Opportunity Fund-ed business owners JuneRalston, owner of June Bug's Gym in Santa Cruz, and Jovan Sanchez, owner of A-1 Carpet Cleaning in Watsonville.
Economic forecasts for 2012 are looking strong, especially in Silicon Valley. But is isn't just cloud-computing tech start-ups that are heating up, small businesses are also picking up steam and seeing increased consumer demand. Features Opportunity Fund Chief Operating Officer Zuri Ruiz discussing the economic forecast for small businesses.
November 2011
"Microlending takes off in the Bay Area; small businesses reap the rewards" by Pat May November 13, 2011 San Jose Mercury Newsand Oakland Tribune Local newspaper San Jose Mercury News shows the tremendous effect of microfinance in the Bay Area. Although to many people "microfinance" connotes an idea of foreign borrowers, the impact of microlending in our own community is growing daily. Features Opportunity Fund Communications Director Caitlin McShane and Opportunity Fund-ed Manuel Godino, owner of Venga Empanadas.
"Opportunity Fund offers micro lending to help small Bay Area businesses succeed" November 8, 2011 Oakland North Local newspaper Oakland North highlights how Opportunity Fund started as a response to many Bay Area businesses' inability to secure traditional financing, and how these microloans work to boost our local economies. Features Opportunity Fund Communications Director Caitlin McShane and Opportunity Fund-ed entrepreneurs Erica Del Toro and Alejandra Arceo, owners of Natural Home Cleaning.
October 2011
"Starbucks Planning Microloan Program To Stimulate Economy" by Len Ramirez October 3, 2011 KCBS-5 Starbucks announces a new initiative to help create jobs in America by supporting community development financial institutions like Opportunity Fund. Features Opportunity Fund CEO Eric Weaver and Opportunity Fund-Ed business owner Robin Hunt of Braid It Up, a hair salon in San Josethat employes 10 people.
September 2011
"Taste of Microfinance" by Melissa Waldman September 29, 2011 Examiner.com Melissa Waldman recaps Opportunity Fund's Taste of Microfinance event, held September 28th in downtown San Francisco. The event helped introduce Opportunity Fund to hundreds of new friends in the community by featuring tasty bites from up-and-coming culinary entrepreneurs, some of whom received Opportunity Fund microloans and others who will be applying soon for a loan or to open an IDA matched savings account.
A wonderful introduction to the U.S. microlending field by CGAP's Microfinance Gateway, the world's premier portal for research and resources on microfinance and financial services for the poor. Mentions Opportunity Fund's work in California and our Microfinance USA Conference.
The fun folks at 7x7 share why they're excited about Opportunity Fund's Taste of Microfinance event. Shows how Opportunity Fund loans are helping culinary entrepreneurs access the affordable financing their businesses need to help expand our economy and fill our stomachs.
"Does Money Have Flavor? Find out at Taste of Microfinance" by W. Blake Gray September 13, 2011 SF Weekly SFoodie Editor, W. Blake Gray, previews the menu for Opportunity Fund's upcoming Taste of Microfinance food cart festival and cocktail party. Features Koji Kanematsu and Kan Hasegawa, owners of the Japanese mobile food cart, Onigilly.
"A Taste of Microfinance with SF's Mobile Food" September 1, 2011 Bold Italic San Francisco's newest magazine for what's hip and local - Bold Italic - cues readers that Opportunity Fund's upcoming Taste of Microfinance is "the 'tastiest' ticket in town" for culinary adventurers with a social conscience. Mentions Opportunity Fund-Ed local business, Onigilly, who will be serving their Japanese delights at our event later this month.
August 2011
"Microloans 101" August 16, 2011 Inc. Microloans differ from loans from traditional banks for myriad reasons. Caitlin McShane, Marketing and Communications Director, explains in tandem with ACCION Network of the USA's Gina Harman how microfinance institutions focus on getting to know their community's businesses and cater towards business owners who bear high risk or haven't established their credit yet.
July 2011
"10 Top Microfinance Companies" July 14, 2011 CNN Money Opportunity Fund earned a spot on CNN Money's list of the top 10 microfinance institutions in the United States. Among many other accomplishments, Opportunity Fund was applauded for disbursing 148 loans in 2008 as well as its innovative micro-savings accounts program.
Tom Murphy, founder of the blog A View from the Cave, reflects on MIcrofinance USA 2011's high-energy debate over non-profit versus for-profit microfinance models. He calls for an open dialogue on governance, interest rates and predatory lending. Features commentary by Opportunity Fund Founder and CEO Eric Weaver.
One of the most accurate and concise overviews of the U.S. microlending movement, including how micocredit in the U.S. differs from abroad and a snapshot of the current landscape. Features commentary by Communications Director Caitlin McShane.
Senior Editor Greg Lamb interviews "Change Agent" Eric Weaver, Opportunity Fund CEO, about Opportunity Fund's sixteen year track-record lending to small businesses, providing a social and financial return on these investments that benefits our economy and the community. Features insights and opinions by Founder & CEO Eric Weaver.
While international microfinance has come under scrutiny recently, domestic microfinance is growing. Opportunity Fund calls for expanded microfinance services in the United States, along with increasing attention to ensure consumer protection. Features Opportunity Fund Business Advisor Tim Hatfield and loan applicant Rebecca Jean Alonzi, owner of Seasonal Elegance Catering.
Huffintgon Post columnist and MicroCredit Enterprises CEO Jonathan Lewis laments (with humor) how the stand-out hit from Opportunity Fund's Microfinance USA 2011 conference "ruined his rant" that conferences are boring. Our plenary session, Balancing Act: Mission, Profits & Impact in Microfinance, was a crowd favorite. A number of blog posts have reacted to the questions probed during this sizzling session, moderated by NPR Planet Money's Adam Davidson. Read Jonathan Lewis' take to see why the debate was so provocative and productive.
Profiling Opportunity Fund microloan borrower Simonida Cvejic, CEO of Bay Area Medical Academy, this article showcases Simonida's rise as a social entrepreneur, and the role that a well-timed, well-priced microloan from Opportunity Fund played in catalyzing her success. Drawing on (mis)expectations from international microfinance and reporting on the topic in the media, the article also explains the "new face" of microfinance is one that: is found in the United States (as well as abroad), and is also an educated, capable woman who needs access to capital, even in the sophisticated financial landscape of the American economy.
In a tough economy, small businesses in San Francisco's Mission District are attracting the investment they need to grow with the help of local microlenders, including Opportunity Fund (the Bay Area's leading microlender). Features Opportunity Fund clients Gilberto Garcia, owner of Flowers Collective; Rocio Bautista, owner of Inkza Crafts; and Manuel Godino, owner of Venga! Empanadas.
Becoming a citizen is more attainable than ever, reports El Observador, thanks to resources available to help immigrants afford the costly application fee ($675!). Opportunity Fund's Saving for Citizenship program is highlighted.
A blog piece highlighting the importance of investing in female entrepreneurs in the U.S., as well as abroad. Features Opportunity Fund clients Rosalva, owner of La Verbena; Valarie, owner of Spa-Bulous; and Lupe, owner of Daydreams Therapy.
Opportunity Fund announces a new green loan program, funded by a $3 million philanthropic investment from JP Morgan Chase, that will more than double Opportunity Fund's business lending capacity.
Opportunity Fund commits up to $1 million to help San Francisco business owners comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The article describes how Opportunity Fund is working with City officials and local government agencies to help small businesses.
Local news story highlighting Opportunity Fund's microlending work supporting Bay Area businesses, including BuTong Accupuncture in San Francisco. The article also provides good overall background on the U.S. microlending landscape. Features Opportunity Fund Founder and CEO, Eric Weaver and Owner of BuTong Accupunctire and Opportunity Fund Microloan Client, Julie Baumhofer.
Opportunity Fund's award-winning Microsavings Program is profiled in Catalyst Magazine, a Microsofit publication highlighting the corporation's philanthropic work to ignite social change through social innovation. The story shares the story of Miriam Torres, Microsavings alumni, on her path to save and invest in her college education and profiles the work Miriam now does to help others follow in her footsteps. Features Opportunity Fund Founder and CEO, Eric Weaver and Microsavings Client, Miriam Torres.
Many preschools and family daycares in California rely, in part, on state funding and operate on thin margins. Opportunity Fund client, Creative Montessori, describes the impact of the state budget impasse on their employees and their families. Features Opportunity Fund Founder and CEO, Eric Weaver and Opportunity Fund client, Creative Montessori.
Local consumer news story letting viewers know that Opportunity Fund lends to small businesses that can't access credit from a bank. FeaturesOpportunity Fund CEO Eric Weaver and Opportunity Fund client Jeremy Sowers, owner of Emergency BBQ.
August 10, 2010 Making Contact, National Radio Project
Half-hour radio program discussing how a tough economy compells people to get creative as entrepreneurs. This 9-minute segment focuses on the role of microenterprise development and the challenges entrepreneurs faces to finance their dreams, a challenge Opportunity Fund is poised to help these small business owners address. This story aired on independent radio stations nationwide, and locally on 94.1 KPFA FM. Featuring Eric Weaver, Opportunity Fund Founder and CEO, discussing our work as a local microlender to support business growth in our communities that, in turns, creates jobs and expands our economy.
Financial adivce from MSN Money reporter Donna Freedman regarding the psychology of financial behavior and the roots of our financial personality. Featuring Micrsavings program alumna, Karla Reyes, describing how the financial education she acquired through the Microsavings program helped her craft a new financial future for herself as she obtains her college diploma.
Article in Small Business section of The New York Times describing how a tight business credit market brings a boom to the U.S. microlending industry just in time to help many small business owners who are locked out from the traditional credit markets. Featuring Opportunity Fund client and owner of Mandy's Korner, Amanda Keppert, along with Premal Shah of Kiva and Gina Harman of ACCION USA.
The cover of Inc. Magazine's July/August 2010 issue proclaims, "Bring on the Entrepreneurs!" and in this special report the magazine describes the role of microlenders across the nation, including Opportunity Fund, to support small business growth and entrepreneurship throughout the credit crunch.
Overview of U.S. microlending field and its role funding small businesses throughout the credit crunch. This article also appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle. Featuring Opportunity Fund CEO, Eric Weaver, and Opportunity Fund clients Simonida (CEO of Bay Area Medical Academy) and William (Owner of Gentle Parking), plus Elaine Edgcomb of Aspen Institute Microenterprise FIELD prorgram.
Survey of the landscape available for funding a small business in the United States, from traditional bank loans to the SBA and microlenders. Opportunity Fund is listed among the microlenders cited as a resource for business owners looking for capital.
Host Cheryl Jennings interviews Opportunity Fund CEO Eric Weaver in studio for an in-depth look at how our microlending helps Bay Area small businesses grow by providing capital and business advice. Simonida Cvejic, Opportunity Fund client and Founder & CEO of Bay Area Medical Academy, is also interviewed and shares her experience as an entrepreneur who used Opportunity Fund loans to finance her business's remarkable growth.
Truckers in California faced a deadline to comply with California Air Resource Board emission standards, but many didn't have the cash on hand to retrofit their engines in order to bring their deisel engine trucks into compliance. Opportunity Fund stepped into the breach to help these self-employed truckers by committing up to $1mm to finance the retrofit costs.
Overview of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) and U.S. Microsavings field's role in supporting small businesses to save and invest in their growth. Featuring Opportunity Fund CEO, Eric Weaver, and Opportunity Fund Saver and Owner of Victory Coaching, Vicci Smith, as well as Andrea Levere of CFED and Ben Mangan of EARN.
Article covering the Microfinance USA 2010 conference in San Francisco. Featuring California First Lady Maria Shriver, Opportunity Fund CEO Eric Weaver, and Kiva President Premal Shah.
Teresa Garcia reports on how microlending is helping stimulate economic growth in the Bay Area. Featuring interviews with Opportunity Fund CEO, Eric Weaver, and Opportunity Fund client, Zonia Torres (owner of Shining Star Daycare).
Stephanie Martin, host of KQED Public Radio's California Money, interviews Opportunity Fund client William Ortiz-Cartanega (owner of Gentle Parking) and discusses our newly released "Ripple Effect" report on the macro-economic impact of 15 years (and $10 million) in lending.
Host Michael Krasny interviews Opportunity Fund CEO Eric Weaver, New York Times Bureau Chief Neil MacFarquhar, SVMN Board Member Sean Foote, and Opportunity Fund client and Gentle Parking owner William Ortiz-Cartagena. This program discusses microfinance in the U.S. and abroad.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy hosts Opportunity Fund CEO Eric Weaver for an online discussion regarding our work to improve the economic well-being of working people in the Bay Area by increasing access to financial services. Read the discussion summary and full chat transcript.
Article profiling Opportunity Fund's Small Business and Microsavings programs to help low-income Bay Area residents plan for the future. Featuring interviews with Opportunity Fund CEO, Eric Weaver, and Opportunity Fund client, Mali Sehrgosha (owner of Express Cuts).
Article describing Obama's plan to increase funding for "community lending". Mentions how increased dollars for Opportunity Fund (loan capital and to underwrite our operations) will help us scale our microlending program.
Host Stephanie Martin discusses new EPA air emissions regulations and the struggle of self-employed commercial truck drivers to find capital to retrofit their engines. Featuring interviews with Opportunity Fund CEO Eric Weaver and Opportunity Fund client, Mamdoh Ibrahim (self-employed trucker operating out of the Port of Oakland).
Article profiling the growing role of Community Development Financial Institutions in granting loans to small business owners. Featuring Opportunity Fund client, William Ortiz-Cartagena (owner of Gentle Parking), and an interview with Opportunity Fund CEO, Eric Weaver.
Article addressing increased investment in CDFI's by the federal government and Goldman Sachs. Featuring Opportunity Fund client, William Ortiz-Cartagena(owner of Gentle Parking), and Opportunity Fund CEO, Eric Weaver.
Featuring interviews with Opportunity Fund clients Obdulia Loera (owner of Family Auto Repair), Amato Loma (owner of Village d'Afrique), and Caroll Fife (owner of Shule Vista Academy), with Opportunity Fund CEO, Eric Weaver.
The Silicon Valley Community Foundation is pleased to announce the results of our two-year longitudinal study of graduates from the nation’s largest regional microsavings program, Assets for All Alliance, operated by Opportunity Fund. In a nutshell, the program’s successful graduates have retained their assets and their healthy financial habits for at least two years after completing the program. They are still in their homes, they continue to save, some have made other investments and many are teaching their children these same good practices.
