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Vizio SV422XVT User Reviews
Vizio SV422XVT ReviewsTHATS Vizio SV422XVT I HAVE TESTED THIS TV FOR VIZIO OVER THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS UNDER THIER VIP PROGRAM .I HAVE WATCHED Vizio SV422XVT GET BETTER EVERY WEEK AS THEY DOWNLOADED FIXES AND NEW APPS.EVERYBODY ENJOY.MY DAUGHTERS HAVE BOUGHT THIS TV BECAUSE OF MY TESTING.I SAY BUY IT YOU WONT BE SORRY IT WOULD TAKE ALL DAY TO TELL YOU WHAT I LIKE FROM BLURAY MOVIES,TO SUPERBOWL,TO VUDU JUST GET IT JCBENDER
Vizio SV422XVT HDTV ReviewsJust purchased on presale. Best TV I have ever owned. Set up was easy, Apps are great with more to come. Direct access to netflix was a bonus and a great selling point. Picture is fantastic and sound is great. A really great set with an unbelievable great price for all the features included.
SV422XVT HDTVPurchased this from Amazon on a preorder before SV422XVT was released. SV422XVT was definitely worth the wait! I set the TV up myself with the on screen step by step guide, even the wifi was very easy to setup, especially with the keypad on the remote! Great picture, even on an angle. Quite a few great apps with more to come. Very cool TV.
Vizio SV422XVT HDTVBought this on Amazon for $900 a few months ago (thanks tax return!) with free shipping, awesome! Vizio SV422XVT was delivered by a specialty delivery service 1 week later (3 weeks earlier than i was told in my confirmation, sweet). Before i begin my praise, I just want to mention that this is my first big flat screen TV, aside from my 24" Samsung T240HD LCD HDTV/monitor that has extraordinary picture quality and really lives up to the 'HDTV' description. But I'm also a tech junkie and aside from knowing a lot about consumer electronics to begin with, i did a good deal of research into LCD TV's prior to purchasing this tv.
When I was researching HDTV's I was drawn to Vizio b/c I had read on TechCrunch that several big name manufacturers were releasing their new 'high-end' tvs soon and they had wifi built in and would incorporate apps directly into the TV. When looking at the prices of those tvs, i was disappointed b/c they were way out of my budget so when i came across the Vizio SV422XVT, i got a little dizzy with excitement. At $950, Vizio SV422XVT was the perfect tv for me since it had Wifi - N, a bluetooth keyboard remote, Netflix and Amazon Video on Demand apps and, of course, Vizio's reputation for high quality. I bought it the same day (after clearing it with the wife) for $950. The shipping was free but i quickly realized it was b/c i wasn't set to receive it for 4 weeks. Long time to wait but for the price and features, i was prepared. Like a little kid, i excitedly looked at the product page on Amazon everyday while awaiting the delivery date. And at least this one time acting like a kid saved me $50 when around 3 days after i placed my order, Amazon dropped the price to $900. I was pissed at first but quickly researched the return/cancellation policy and since my order hadn't moved past the initial order placement stage, i was able to cancel the first order and purchase it at the lower price which included the same free shipping and same 4 week wait. However, as i said before, it actually got delivered about a week later.
Once i set it up and plugged my cable box, PS3, junker surround system and PC into the HDMI ports and set up the wifi, i actually started watching TV. I was impressed with the HD channels and March Madness was really great to watch on this baby. I think the colors are accurate and very vivid so i'm thinking that a couple of the other reviews i read on here probably did have defective units. The internet apps are great, i use Amazon Video On Demand the most and netflix about a little. THe video and sound quality are great but my only complaint is that the internet can be... finicky... as in, Amazon shows/movies can buffer several times, netflix not as much but i don't use it as much but Pandora plays just fine. This could be my router's fault and most probably is but i still believe the wifi connectoin in the TV isn't 100% stable. Since 802.11 N is still in draft format, that could be why also...not sure.
On to the other features. MY PS3 had to step its game up when i first played Modern Warfare 2 on this TV but once it woke from its non-HDTV slumber, the quality was excellent and i would say playing on this TV has definitely improved my gaming skills. Blu-rays are really amazing too though i think some older blu-ray movies aren't formatted to play on this high of quality tv b/c the camera shots seem really strange some times. I attribute it to the refresh rate, 240hz. The refresh rate is really important and i can say with confidence that there were no other brands with 240HZ refresh rates at this price. Most are 120 but some are even 60 which just doesn't do HD justice IMO. Anyways, using my pc with this thing was really cool too. it is a giant monitor and having 42" of gmail is pretty cool. i only use that pc for casual searching, some Google Reader and occasionally watching movies i purchased (mistakenly) through iTunes last year. The video quality of the PC isn't quite as good as the PS3 but the PC is also older so I don't think its the Vizio's fault.
I'd also like to review the Bluetooth quality of the TV. First, the remote is amazing since it is both universal for other devices (uses IR) and Bluetooth for the TV itself. This means for things like using the internet apps and adjusting the volume (tv volume only on my setup)are controlled thru a Bluetooth connection which doesn't require you point it directly at the device. I have a cable box hooked up to it and the remote does work for that box but since it uses IR, i have to point it at the box still to change the channel. Oh well. The QWERTY Bluetooth keyboard is great for searching on amazon and even typing in username/password on any/all of the apps. It does not, however, connect to my PS3 as a Bluetooth keyboard :(. I knew that was just wishful thinking anyways. My last comment about the Bluetooth is the quality of the receiver inside the TV. I use Bluetooth headphones for my computer and phone and i recently realized i could use them with the TV as well. Once paired, i found i could use both headphones and tv speakers together or just the headphones. Also, the range on the Bluetooth is really good. i've been outside of the house (about 35 feet away thru 100+ year old brick walls) with no crackling or skipping of the audio at all. I'm guessing its an EDR Class 1 device (audio up to 300ft) but i haven't been able to locate the specs of the Bluetooth inside the TV yet. Please leave a comment if you know the specifics of the bluetooth chip inside the tv.
In summary, i don't recommend this TV to my friends b/c i really enjoy having the most high tech/best quality TV among them. BUT since you're an anonymous reader, i highly recommend you buy this TV. Literally the only thing it can't do is 3D, yet(firmware update maybe?). Other than that, this TV is the most features packed, highest quality TV you will find at this price for at least a year.
SV422XVT ReviewsThis TV is simply the best buy PERIOD!! I have seen SEVERAL TV's that are priced much higher, but do not compare to this TV. SV422XVT is amazing! The picture is STUNNING, fast, clear. Even Standard Def channels look more like HD than HD channels did on our 3 year old Pioneer HD TV. Sound is crisp and sharp, power use is LOW. We live offgrid in an unorganized township and use Solar power, this TV fits the bill. Just simply stunning! You cannot go wrong with this TV!
Only downside was amazon. I preordered SV422XVT for them, the order never shipped on time. 2 days later I cancelled my order and bought it for the same price from Dell.
Vizio SV422XVT LCD HDTV: 42-Inch , 240Hz ReviewsI purchased the SV422XVT to replace the year old 37" VIZIO in our bedroom mainly for Vizio SV422XVT's Internet app's and the desire connecting to Netflix without needing the instant streaming disk/PS3 as before. And couldn't be happier my did! But in lieu of otherwise repeating all those so many positives already made by everyone, let me say just this ... If you can "FIND Vizio SV422XVT"..."BUY IT"! Trust me, you won't be sorry! I purchased our tv from Amazon.com on March 23 and had it 3 days later, delivered right to our bedroom and removed from the box using their standard shipping upgrade ($35).
Vizio SV422XVT ReviewsI bought this TV on Sunday 5/16/10 @ Sam's Club for $830 to replace a Magnavox 42" Plasma that died on me the same day after only 4 years of heavy use. So, my first experience with an HDTV did not go too well. Yes, I used my TV for everything from Blu-ray movies to HD Gaming but that is still too short of a life span. In contrast, I can't kill my old 32" CRT. Why did I choose a Vizio? Well I must give credit to my wife as she wanted to get a Vizio as our next HDTV after seeing how much better the picture was next to the more expensive Sony's back around Christmas. I took her word for SV422XVT and she was right, the picture is great and the sound is better than expected but I had pretty low expectations coming from my Plasma which had horrible, tinny-sounding speakers. To first test out the new TV, I used only Component cables since that was all I had on hand for HD but that is what I had used before so SV422XVT was good to see a Component comparison between the sets to start with rather than going right into the premium connection type. I have since bought (4) HDMI cables, 1 for each HDMI Input. Right away there was a noticeable picture improvement, much more detail is viewable using the HDMI cables, at least to me.
There are a ton of picture adjustments you can make but the factory settings are correct for the most part. I actually tried to calibrate my system but in the end it looked too washed out and I reset to the factory picture settings. For now I am just using the preset Picture Modes as they look the best to my eye. I may revist this in the future but I think they did a good job with their picture settings they included. The setup was easy and I was able to program my DirecTV HD DVR (4th choice), connect to my Wireless-N router and register the TV without any problems. The internet apps are great and this is highly recommended for all NetFlix customers. The TV also has the best audio I have ever heard from TV speakers. I use my Surround Sound system normally but now I don't have to for everything. I appreciate all the connections and was a little worried about it only (1) Component connection but with (4) HDMI connections, I currently do not even have anything connected to it. Everything is labeled clearly and the remote is by far the best I have seen packaged with a TV. Black levels looked good right out of the box. Sets with only 120 Hz selling for much more.
Picture: 240 Hz SPS, 50,000:1 DCR, Preset Picture Modes look good
Sound: SRS TruSurround HD(tm) & SRS TruVolume(tm), best stock sound
VIA(tm): VIZIO Internet Apps(tm), connect to the internet without a computer!
Remote: Universal w/ slide-out keyboard, best stock remote I have ever seen
Connections: (4) HDMI plus all previous technology connections
Green: Energy Star 3.0
Weight: Lightweight, easy to move w/ 1 person, much lighter than my Plasma
Setup: Basic setup to view a picture and connect to internet very easy
Casing/Trim: Very attractive black display. Silver
Customer service: From what I have read they are very helpful
USB: Service only, Future Use
Cables: Need to buy your own, check Monoprice & Amazon, don't pay more than $10 ea for HDMI cables, I bought (4) Mediabridge Ultra Series - 6ft High Speed HDMI Cable - Category 2 Certified - Supports 3D - 1440p - 1080p - Blu-Ray - PS3 - XBox 360
Input: When turning the TV on or switching Inputs, mostly with my HD DVR I get a gray screen have to change the channel for it to clear. Not sure who's fault this is, TV or HD DVR since switching to 1080p but it is annoying.
Component Setup Notes:
Step 1: First off, turn off all systems before plugging in any cables, incl. the TV itself, trust me.
Step 2: Connect all cables from all systems to the TV. Make sure to connect that extra Composite cable to the PS3, if you have one. Also connect any additional audio cables such as optical from your sources to your TV or your Surround Sound receiver. Note: For the Xbox 360, you will need to use a special adapter which contains an optical output plus RCA red/white outputs. The other end is the big connector which connects directly to the Xbox 360.
Step 3: Turn on the TV and the systems and go through each Input, 1 by 1, to set everything up, my systems are listed below, maybe this will help you:
3a. DirecTV HD DVR [HR21-200]- (HDMI) Go into setup & select the HDTV tab, then pick TV Resolutions, click on 1080p. You may experience some trouble at first, I displayed a pink screen but the confirmation text was still displayed. To fix this go under HDTV>Video, set Native to Off which helps to eliminate the issue with a Pink screen being displayed. You may also need to switch inputs to clear the pink screen, just select another device using the Input button and then go back to the D*TV HD DVR Input, this should clear it.
3b. PS3 - (HDMI) This was the trickiest system to hookup, because it is not simply plug & play. Find your PS3 Composite (not Component) connector that came with your PS3, good luck finding it!, the HDMI input connection will not display on its own. Connect this cable to the AV connections, really just the Video is needed. Select the AV Input on the TV and it should detect that an HDMI connection exists, if you have an HDMI cable connected. Click on the HDMI choice to set the HDMI input. Now turn off the PS3 and then back on. Switch the TV Input to the corresponding HDMI connection to the PS3 and it should display in 1080p. On the PS3, select Settings>Display Settings>Video Output Settings>HDMI>Change>Check all resolutions supported by your TV (Standard (NTSC), 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, next set the TV type: 16:9. Save settings (press X). Next go to Settings>Display Settings>RGB Full Range (HDMI)>Full. Next go to Settings>Display Settings>Y Pb / Cb Pr / Cr Super-White (HDMI)>On. If settings this to on, you will also need to go to Settings>Video Settings>BD / DVD Video Output Format (HDMI)>Automatic. Onto the sound, go to: Settings>Sound Settings>Audio Multi-Output>On, if using multiple audio connections like Optical & HDMI. This will enable you to use your TV and/or your Surround Sound. Next go to Settings>Sound Settings>Select all the audio output formats that your equipment can support. That should cover the basic PS3 HD setup.
3c. Xbox 360 - Xbox Dashboard>System>Console Settings>Display>Display Settings>HDTV Settings>1080p, keep settings, if screen can be seen. Now go to Xbox Dashboard>System>Console Settings>Display>Display Settings>Reference Levels>Expanded. Now onto the sound - Xbox Dashboard>System>Console Settings>Audio>Audio Settings>Dolby Digital 5.1. That's it, much simpler than the PS3.
3d. Upconverting DVD player - I have it connected but I haven't used it yet so no notes here. It should be plug and play but there might be some setup in the menus for the new HDMI connection established.
3e. JVC Surround Sound (Optical) - I actually don't use the Optical connection on the TV, I just use the Optical connections on each system directly to the receiver: HD DVR, PS3, 360. If there are no HDMI connections on your receiver, there is no need to have any video cables connected.
3f. Wireless-N router - Connect wirelessly or wired, your choice. Since both the TV and the router are stationary devices and I had a spare Cat-6 cable and port available, I chose to use the Ethernet port on the back of the TV.
TV setup notes:
Firmware - If you are connected to the internet, see Wireless-N setup above, the first time you power the TV off, it should perform a Firmware update and the VIZIO logo on the front of the TV will be flashing. DO NOT touch the TV, wait for it to power itself off before using it. You can verify that it was updated in the Information section below
Audio - You need to turn off the SRS Trusurround HD to get the equalizer to show. It is under Audio in the User Manual.
Inputs - I recommend renaming all the inputs so you can visually discern each one esp. with 4 HDMI Inputs, it gets confusing. Also, setup the remote for all the devices that you can. For now I only have the D*TV HD DVR programmed. I couldn't get the PS3 to work on the remote.
Information - Click the VIA button on remote, Select Help, Select System Information. Here you can check your Firmware version, IP Address, MAC Address, etc.
Recommendation: Buy now! Perfect for Sports, Video Gaming, scripted TV, Movies and Internet-viewing. Price can't be beat for all of the features offered. Buy @ Sam's Club, BJ's, Amazon & more, priced @ $[...].
Vizio SV422XVT HDTV ReviewsSo happy I purchased this new Vizio with Internet Apps. Vizio SV422XVT was delivered with White Glove service at no extra cost and the delivery guys were extremely helpful in making sure everything was up and running before they left with all the packing materials and even carried my old heavy TV (140 lbs) down four flights of stairs. Easy set up and fast connection to Internet. I was watching a Netflix movie within 30 minutes of having the TV in my home! Excellent picture with extra crisp blacks and whites. Sound through the TV is terrific but I also have Vizio SV422XVT set up with my home theater for Netflix movies and Pandora Internet music. Fun to use Facebook through the TV using the remote's keyboard. My only criticism is that the remote can be hard to read in a dark room since it is black and the keys are small-- so I wish it were illuminated. For the price this is one incredible TV that has the latest of technology: wifi, Internet, great apps such as Netflix, Pandora, facebook, the weather, etc.
SV422XVT HDTVThis is a great tv! The picture is awesome, there are multiple size settings at the touch of a button, and internet apps too! Right now I mostly just use the Netflix on the internet stuff, but wow! Just put stuff in your play now queue online, and its right there to choose from on your tv. My only problem is that the usb port on the side wouldn't work. I don't really need SV422XVT anyway. SV422XVT was ready to go right out of the box, too.
Vizio SV422XVT HDTVI bought this tv a couple of weeks ago on QVC for $849 and paid an additional $65 for shipping. QVC was a great option as Vizio SV422XVT allowed me to pay for the set over 5 months with no interest. Vizio SV422XVT was so popular that it sold out during its first airing and hasn't been featured again. I've also noticed that most stores do not have this tv in stock. **Beware of other Vizios with similar model numbers. Vizio has another version (older model) of this tv without the built in wifi and apps that sells for $50 to $100 less. Its still a great tv but for such a small difference in price you should get the better tv.***
This tv is impressive. For one, it has a great picture out of the box. Second, the apps are amazing. Pandora, Facebook, Flickr, Weather, Netflix, etc. They are great. I knew I'd use Netflix and Pandora but I'm loving all of them. I doubt I'll update my FB status while in front of the tv but its nice to view photos on the big screen from a friend's profile. Amazon Video on Demand and Vudu work great and came with free rentals.
The set up was easy. The stand came attached to the tv so it was just a matter of pulling it out the box and plugging it in. The tv walks you through the necessary connections, remote set up, and connecting to the wireless network. The built in wifi is a must have feature for anyone looking for a tv with internet access as most people don't have a cable modem in the same room as their tv.
The remote works very well with my comcast cable box. With other tvs I've had to use both remotes because there were issues controlling volume or power but not with this remote. It fully operates the cable box. Its also a bluetooth remote so it will control the tv when you aren't pointing it at the tv. The slider function is nice too. When using the apps, you can type with the slider keyboard instead of picking letter by letter with an on screen keyboard. This is a great feature and saves a lot of time. Its a bit wider than your average slider phone so it takes some getting used to but its better than a wireless keyboard.
Also, the tv has 4 HDMI inputs so you can have dedicated inputs for your dvd player, gaming system, laptop, etc. There are also 3 USB inputs but they aren't yet functional. I've been told that Vizio will eventually release a firmware update so that these can be used.
I wish this tv were offered in LED like the 47" and 55" versions but that's just because I want the lastest and greatest. There is nothing wrong with this tv.
One downside that I've identified is that the volume adjuster for loud commercials doesn't really get the job done. I find myself reaching for the remote and muting commercials because they are still too loud. Another oddity is that the tv has a strong plastic smell out of the box. The smell is overpowering and is so strong I question whether its safe and not toxic. I've actually got a service appointment with Vizio next week about this. The tv works fine and the smell has lessened some but its still there. I initially thought it was the packaging but its clear that its part of the tv as it gets worse when the tv has been on for long periods of time.
Overall, I highly recommend this tv. I'm even considering one of the larger versions for my living room and moving this one to my bedroom.
Vizio SV422XVT Specs
- Inputs: 4 HDMI, 1 component, 1 composite, 1 S-Video, 1 PC, 1 RF, 1 Ethernet, 1 optical digital audio output
- Includes removable stand; measures 39.41 x 27.12 x 9.5 inches with stand; Bluetooth remote with slide-out QWERTY keyboard
- Connect to the Internet via Wireless-N Wi-Fi or Ethernet to stream video, audio and news content from VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA)
- 42-inch LCD HDTV with full 1080p HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels)
- 50,000 contrast ratio; two 15-watt speakers give you the power to fill your room with sound via SRS Audio surround sound technologies


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Clue: Not doubting
We have 1 answer for the clue Not doubting. See the results below.
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subset: commoncrawl


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risk assessment
20 keys to understanding and establishing communications protocols for risk assessments
The time spent preparing this "protocol" can be a valuable investment, as structure will be in place to protect the organization during the risk assessment.
Technology for minding your compliance P's and Q's: Spotlight on conflict minerals
The scope of Dodd-Frank is not limited to the financial services industry.
Inside Experts: It's time to grab the lowest-hanging fruit
Every company assesses risk. This is not just a compliance issue. There are operational risks, competition risks and other risks that companies—from a business perspective—must control. The process is a familiar one.
Inside Experts: The top 10 2012 e-discovery trends
Abraham Lincoln once said, "The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time." While this is certainly true, it seems like the days are coming more quickly now than ever, particularly with the way technology is impacting the practice of law. Unlike the...


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Crowdsourcing the Department of Public Works
Soulskill posted more than 4 years ago | from the soon-we'll-have-a-government-wiki-office dept.143
blackbearnh writes "Usually, Gov 2.0 deals mainly with outward transparency of government to the citizens. But SeeClickFix is trying to drive data in the other direction, letting citizens report and track neighborhood problems as mundane as potholes, and as serious as drug dealers. In a recent interview, co-founder Jeff Blasius talked about how cities such as New Haven and Tucson are using SeeClickFix to involve their citizens in identifying and fixing problems with city infrastructure. 'We have thousands of potholes fixed across the country, thousands of pieces of graffiti repaired, streetlights turned on, catch basins cleared, all of that basic, broken-windows kind of stuff. We've seen neighborhood groups form based around issues reported on the site. We've seen people get new streetlights for their neighborhood, pedestrian improvements in many different cities, and all-terrain vehicles taken off of city streets. There was also one case of an arrest. The New Haven Police Department attributed initial reports on SeeClickFix to a sting operation that led to an arrest of two drug dealers selling heroin in front of a grammar school.'"


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CNN and other news outlets have investigated and so far have found no evidence that the President was not born in the U.S..
Really CNN? Is that the correct way to phrase it? Maybe you should also add that there is "no evidence found thus far" about Obama beating his wife. Or maybe, there is "no evidence found thus far" that Peirs Morgan camps out at Area 51 on w'ends looking for UFO's.


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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69829889949481997462014-10-01T22:56:28.025-07:00Microfinance MattersSmall business resources, tips, and microfinance news.ACCION San Diegohttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-41310873711268309442014-09-15T14:39:00.001-07:002014-09-15T14:39:04.718-07:00Client Spotlight: Running Hard with Milestone Running

By: Oren Rosenberg

Chad and Greg have hardly had time to catch their breath, as business has been so hectic at Milestone Running. They formed the idea for their business while working together in a Los Angeles area running store. Looking around, they saw a sales and commission-focused industry and decided that they both preferred to be involved with a store that emphasized community, health and quality customer service over profit.

"Greg and I wanted to make it our own thing," said Chad. "And grow it how we want to grow it, as a community based-enterprise rather than a sales-based enterprise."

After a little over a year in business at their North Park location, the community has clearly taken notice. The store resembles a sitcom set as much as it does a shoe store, with a revolving cast of local characters coming in to shop or just shoot the breeze with the ever-affable Chad and Greg.

The Milestone hang-out crowd are often left talking amongst themselves, however, as customers frequently cycle in and out, each receiving the full treatment from Chad or Greg. First they undergo a "gait analysis," which involves running on a treadmill in the store while Greg or Chad films the way the potential customer's feet land. Then, using their knowledge of exercise physiology gained from years working in the industry, they assess the way a customer's foot rolls and use that assessment to recommend shoes that fit the customer's specific needs.

This first-class service comes with both current style running shoes, as well as heavily-discounted styles from last year. Greg and Chad are acutely aware that some customers may have more limited means.

"We try to keep other brands or styles in stock that are a bit less expensive so that everyone has access to a comparable level of quality in terms of shoe," said Greg. "We even keep shoes on sale on purpose."

None of this would be possible, they said, without their $25,000 start-up loan from Accion, which allowed them to build an inventory and design a retail location that would be pleasing both for customers and for the local running community.

Since receiving the loan early last year, Milestone has almost tripled their sales, allowing them to reinvest earnings into more inventory to meet their growing demand. With this strategy, Greg and Chad are confident that they will continue to draw market share away from their competitors.

While their increase in sales is impressive, the numbers fail to fully capture the buzz Milestone Running is creating in their community. Through working with like-minded organizations like the San Diego Track Club, as well as through their weekly Wednesday group runs that start in front of the store, Milestone Running's impact reaches far beyond their bottom line.

They hope one day to expand to another location, but for now, Chad and Greg are focused on grassroots, word-of-mouth marketing and community involvement, which they believe will ensure the long-run success and viability of Milestone Running.

Need some new running shoes? Make sure to check them out online at: www.milestonerunning.com
Joseph Leehttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-21284052008544194592014-05-14T12:27:00.000-07:002014-05-14T12:27:22.953-07:00San Diego Microfinance Summit Recap

The 6th annual San Diego Microfinance Summit was held on April 8th at the University of San Diego and featured a great lineup of industry expert speakers, along with a variety of unique microfinance clients who provided food and goods for the lunch time client marketplace.

Keynote speaker Larry Reed, from the Microcredit Summit Campaign, kicked off the event with tales of his experience with microfinance abroad and an inspiring call to action. The morning panel session featured three organizations in the microfinance industry. Leaders from GiveDirectly, Kiva and Puddle talked about peer-to-peer financing, the critical role technology plays in and using it to reach people in all corners of the world.

Following the morning sessions lunch was served, featuring a sampling of dishes from different microfinance clients serving Mexican, Italian and East African foods. A client marketplace with over a dozen various microfinance client vendors featured everything from jewelry to loose-leaf tea.

The afternoon sessions began with a focus on local micro lending and returning to traditional ways of saving and sharing. The microlending session included panelists from local lenders, including Foundation for Women, IRC, Accion San Diego and CDC, while the saving and sharing session featured panelists from Women's Empowerment International, San Diego Microfinance Puddle, Microloans for Mothers and Puddle.

At the closing Keynote, Larry Reed and Chris Crane chatted about microfinance and education. Edify, founded by Crane, builds schools around the world and gives people access to education that previously never had the opportunity. This inspirational session gave participants a glimpse of how innovations in microfinance are granting access to educational opportunities for the poor.

For more information about the Summit visit the San Diego Microfinance Alliance.

Joseph Leehttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-56378144674006663482014-03-31T16:37:00.003-07:002014-03-31T16:38:11.411-07:00Using Text Message Marketing to Attract Repeat Customers
By: Michael Sasaki, Vice President of Sales, Omni Mobile Marketing

Text message marketing, also known as SMS marketing, is an increasingly popular way for small businesses to communicate specials, coupons, promotions and discounts by text message. This kind of regular communication can help increase the amount of repeat customers to your business.

First, let's define some key text message marketing lingo:

Keyword - A word or name used to distinguish a targeted message. For example, you will see ads and signs that say "Text joespizza to 96000 for an immediate $5 off your order." In this case, 'joespizza' is the Keyword.

Short Code - A special telephone number, significantly shorter than full telephone numbers that can be used to address SMS and MMS messages from mobile phones. In the example above, '96000' is the Short Code.

Now, here are the 5 steps to use text message marketing:

Choose a memorable keyword. (e.g. 'sdcoffee')

Select an offer that the customer will receive when they text the keyword to your company's short code. This offer will be delivered by an auto responder text message after the customer texts the short code. (e.g. offer for free cup of coffee)

Create signs for your business announcing the offer, post in social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, and add to current advertising campaigns. (e.g. 'text sdcoffee to 9600 for a free cup of coffee')

Monitor how many customers are signing up per day to your text message marketing campaign. You'll be able to see this in your provider's dashboard.

Regularly send out new offers, discounts, coupons to text to your customer list to turn them into repeat customers.

There are a variety of providers that will allow you to experiment with text message marketing. Services such as Omni Mobile Marketing & Trumpia are both simple solutions that allow you to pay a low fee per message sent. Fun Mobility's Blog (blog.funmobility.com) is a great resource to learn more about SMS marketing.

Michael Sasaki is vice president of sales for Omni Mobile Marketing, an SMS marketing company. For info about Omni Mobile and its services visit: www.omnimobilemarketing.com

Joseph Leehttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-63498069564363059522014-03-31T16:33:00.001-07:002014-04-23T17:38:26.865-07:00Going Nuts for Praline Patisserie

 Cruz Caudillo, founder and owner of Praline Patisserie, was always interested in creating amazing food. After eight years as an executive pastry chef in fine dining restaurants, Cruz decided to venture out and start his own business. Using a praline-inspired recipe, he created his first product, a specialty caramel sauce. After perfecting his recipe, he attended his first San Diego farmers' market in Little Italy and sold out of his 150 jars in only four hours.

Increasing sales and the eventual acquisition of his own commercial kitchen enabled Cruz to produce a variety of different products. The biggest barrier to his growth, however, was the inefficiency of his production. Cruz was labeling and pouring all his sauces into jars by hand, producing only 200 jars of sauce on a good day. After painstakingly filling over 20,000 jars by hand, he finally decided that he needed to invest in creating a more efficient process.

A friend told Cruz about Accion San Diego, and he decided to apply for a small business loan. In less than a week, Cruz was approved for a $7,200 Brewing the American Dream microloan, which he used to buy a piston filler (shown above) and labeler. This small loan allowed Praline Patisserie to go from producing 200 jars of product a day to over 1,500. Even with the increase in inventory, Cruz has had no problem selling out of his popular sauces online, at multiple farmers' markets around San Diego and local specialty retailers like Whole Foods.

"There are certain clients that I immediately know are going to be successful," said Nick Miluso, Cruz's Accion loan officer. "Cruz definitely falls into that category."

Through Accion's partnership with Samuel Adams, Cruz was also able to work with the brewer to produce craft brew nuts, made with Samuel Adams seasonal craft beers. These beer candied nuts have been a huge hit and are constantly sold out at markets.

Though already extremely successful, Cruz is determined to keep improving and growing his business. He is constantly trying to come up with the next great product to join his line of delectable caramel sauces, mixer elixirs, fruit confitures and brew nuts. He also gives back to the community, donating $1 per jar sold to the Food For Kids Backpack Program and volunteering at churches and schools.

Praline Patisserie continues to expand nationally and is in search of new markets. Cruz's long-term plans include getting back to his baking roots and selling pastry items. The future is very bright for Praline Patisserie, as the first full-time employee was just hired to help with production, giving Cruz time to do what he does best—create.

Check out Praline Patisserie online: www.pralinepatisserie.com

Joseph Leehttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-7903457607651372512014-02-19T16:37:00.000-08:002014-02-19T17:40:52.769-08:00America Saves Week

With America Saves Week approaching (February 24-March 1) there's no better time to reflect on your savings strategy. Last year, the average American spent about $2,000 on unexpected expenditures and emergencies. And while nobody can control when these situations happen, everybody can control their savings plan. Here are some tips to help you save more: <o:p></o:p>

Direct Deposit Your Paycheck – Ask your employer to directly deposit your paycheck into a savings account; it'll make it harder for you to spend it. Being more conscious about transferring your money from savings to checking in order to make purchases will help you be more aware of how much you are spending.<o:p></o:p>

Track Your Goal – Make it a goal to review your credit card and checking account statements once a month. See where you're spending money that could you could otherwise be saving.<o:p></o:p>

The 24 Hour Rule – Don't buy anything expensive on impulse. Instead, wait at least a day to think about it.<o:p></o:p>

Develop Savings Discipline – Every time you indulge or spend money on something that is a nonessential, match the purchase by putting an equal amount into your savings account. If you can't afford to move money into savings than you probably don't need that $5 cappuccino.<o:p></o:p>

Start With Short Term – Instead of focusing on yearly or monthly amounts to save, start with a weekly or daily goal. A short term savings goal keeps it relevant and you'll be amazed how quickly even $10 a week adds up.<o:p></o:p>

Dine In – Eat out one fewer time per month. Spending the $5 to eat at home instead of the $25 to eat at a restaurant once a month is an additional $240 a year that you could be saving!<o:p></o:p>

Find Free Entertainment – Local newspapers and websites are always advertising inexpensive fun! Pay attention to those offers, as well as to free days at certain parks and museums. Taking advantage of these deals will allow you to have a good time without breaking the bank.

Avoid Unnecessary Fees – Make the effort to only use ATMs from your bank or credit union. While the fees on using other ATMs are often small, they can add up over the year and it's money that can easily be saved.<o:p></o:p>

Pot Lucks – Instead of 10 people going out to dinner and spending $200 on dinner, host a pot luck and save everyone the money. You'll be surprised by the amount of great food you can cook yourself for cheap, and you may even surprise yourself by how good of a cook you are!<o:p></o:p>

By integrating even one or two of these tips into your life, you can start saving for the future. For more tips and information about America Saves Week, visit: www.americasavesweek.org<o:p></o:p>

 <o:p></o:p>

 <o:p></o:p>
Chrishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-39490013481856476682014-01-28T14:39:00.000-08:002014-01-28T15:01:20.852-08:00Client Spotlight: JRC Consulting

By Rory Soltan, Accion Intern

With over 22 years of experience, Jorge Rodriguez is a true expert when it comes to private security. Starting as a security officer in 1992, he quickly climbed the ranks, eventually directing security for a sports memorabilia company for both their domestic and Latin American offices. By 2003, he knew that the next step in his career was to start his own business and started JRC Consulting Inc. with his wife Cruz.

JRC Consulting grew quickly, taking in over $80,000 of revenue within its first year. Things grew steadily until 2012 when Jorge secured one of the company's largest contracts ever. Though this was a tremendous opportunity, Jorge lacked the working capital needed to pay the wages of the new hires he needed, as he would not receive payment from the newly contracted company until after a month of service.

Though he and his wife had excellent credit, local banks and credit unions all denied his request for a business loan. Finally, he learned about Accion from a flier at a local small business event and after meeting with an Accion loan officer, quickly applied for a loan. Jorge received a $35,000 loan in order to pay salaries, provide training and purchase new uniforms for his team of security officers. Jorge shared that Accion was critical in helping him bring his business to the next level. "Accion is very business oriented," he said. "They were very informative and working with them was easy."

JRC Consulting now employs over forty security officers and has over $1.5 million dollars in annual revenue with an employee turnover rate of only 2%. It has expanded into Riverside and Orange Counties and caters to a wide variety of clientele. It also recently received certification with the State of California to be able to fulfill government contracts. This tremendous growth has enabled Jorge to recently pay off his 60-month loan after just a year and a half, making him another extremely successful graduate of the Accion program.

The company's success lies in how it distinguishes itself from its competitors. "Other security companies are only looking to bill hours and give the appearance of security," said Jorge. "Our officers aren't there to just call 911, they're there to be a preventive force." Moreover, JRC does not have 'rover' positions where inexperienced officers fill in for regular officers if a shift is missed. The result is a seamless twenty-four hour service where the client notices no difference in their daily quality of security. JRC also offers certification training services to security professionals and the general public for pepper spray and baton usage, as well as concealed weapons permits.

When asked how he would advise those just starting out, he said, "get a good education in business, start slow and never leverage equity."

For more information about JRC Consulting Inc. and its services visit: www.jrcconsulting.net

Chrishttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-41216380695730679552014-01-28T10:59:00.001-08:002014-01-28T11:06:09.223-08:002013: Another Record Breaking Year!

We are excited to share that 2013 was another record-breaking year for Accion San Diego, with increases seen in all production categories. This is the second year in a row that we have seen record-breaking growth, and we are now the fastest-growing office in terms of lending volume of the five Accion US Network offices!

Here are some highlights from the year:

Our loan portfolio reached a new high in December, almost hitting $3.9 million, a 29 percent increase from 2012.

Amount of loans disbursed was up 20 percent, with a record-breaking $2.5 million disbursed in 2013 compared to $2.1 million in 2012.

Loan issuance was up 26 percent, with 209 loans made compared to 166 in 2012.

Portfolio quality remained strong with a repayment rate above 99 percent.

Overall funding increased, with notable gifts including a $100,000 grant over two years from the Leichtag Foundation and a $747,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, the single largest gift received in the organization's 19 -year history.

Accion also saw a 72 percent increase in attendance for its free small business training events in 2013, with more than 693 entrepreneurs attending a record 13 Accion hosted events.

Accion launched the Accion Academy for Entrepreneurial Success, an 8-week class teaching potential entrepreneurs how to go from concept to launch, and graduated its first 14 entrepreneurs.

Accion's success in 2013 demonstrates the ongoing need for more flexible and accessible capital in the San Diego small business community. Though small business lending is up at traditional lenders, these loans are still typically reserved for entrepreneurs with more established credit and at least two years of business history. Given this need, we remain committed in 2014 to our mission of providing access to capital.Joseph Leehttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-25320092404776467562014-01-14T11:55:00.000-08:002014-02-04T11:57:11.902-08:00[Press Release] SAN DIEGO MICROLENDER SEES RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Accion San Diego, a nonprofit microlender offering business resources and loans from $300 to $50,000, is reporting another record-breaking year in 2013 with increases in all production categories over 2012 numbers. Its loan portfolio reached a new high, almost hitting $3.9 million in December, a 29 percent increase since the end of 2012. This is the second year in a row that the organization reported record-breaking growth. Accion San Diego is the fastest-growing office in terms of lending volume of the five Accion network offices in the United States.

Amount of loans disbursed was also up 20 percent over 2012, with a record-breaking $2.5 million disbursed in 2013 compared to $2.1 million in 2012. Loan issuance was up 26 percent, with 209 loans made compared to 166 in 2012. Portfolio quality remained strong with a repayment rate above 99 percent.

"Accion's success in 2013 shows that there is still an immense need for more flexible and accessible capital in the small business community," said Robert Lopez, Accion's director of lending. "Though small business lending is up at traditional lenders, these loans are still typically reserved for entrepreneurs with more established credit and at least two years of business history."

Accion serves primarily low-to-moderate income (LMI) entrepreneurs, with 64 percent of its portfolio being LMI. Many of these clients typically have a difficult time finding capital due to credit issues, language barriers or a lack of understanding of the financial system in the United States.

"The impact of Accion's program in the community is huge," Lopez continued. "Our program not only helps individuals achieve their entrepreneurial dreams and provide for their families, but also creates jobs and keeps dollars circulating in the local economy."

On average, active clients with loans from Accion maintain or generate almost 1,000 jobs for San Diegans.

Funding provided to Accion also increased in 2013 over 2012, with notable gifts including a $100,000 grant over two years from the Leichtag Foundation and a $747,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, the single largest gift received in the organization's 19 -year history.

Accion also saw a 72 percent increase in attendance for its free small business training events in 2013, with more than 693 entrepreneurs attending 13 events during the year.

"Looking forward, I believe that the best is yet to come as our organization celebrates its 20th-anniversary in 2014," said Lopez. "Building upon the tremendous growth of previous years, we are even better positioned for greater saturation into the San Diego market and have exciting new initiatives planned for this coming year."

About Accion San Diego
Accion San Diego is a nonprofit microlender dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with the accessible financing and resources it takes to create or grow healthy businesses. By providing loans ranging from $300 to $50,000, it creates opportunity for increased income, economic stability and employment. Since 1994, Accion has provided more than 2,900 loans totaling more than $18 million in San Diego County.

Accion San Diego is a member of the Accion U.S. Network, the largest micro- and small business-lending network in the United States. The network's five members have collectively made more than 47,700 loans totaling more than $380 million. Globally, Accion is a pioneer in microfinance, reaching millions of individuals through its international network of partners. For more information on Accion San Diego, visit www.accionsandiego.org.

###

Press Contact:

Joseph Lee
email@example.com
619.795.7250 ext. 409
Joseph Leehttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-72739306159030491062013-12-20T19:02:00.002-08:002013-12-20T19:03:45.134-08:00Digital Business Tips for 2014As 2014 approaches, it is good to ask yourself if you are taking full advantage of the web to market your business. Here are three questions to ask yourself to ensure that your business is up-to-date in the new year:

1) Is your business online?
If your business does not have an online presence in 2014, you are putting yourself at a serious disadvantage to your competition. Whereas e-commerce sites were expensive to create in the past, template based sites are cheaper than ever today. An estimated 80% of customers are searching for products online prior to making a purchase. There is no excuse to not tap into that potential market!

2) Is your business website optimized for mobile?
Did you know that 9 out of 10 business owners report that their websites are not optimized for mobile? Moreover, nearly 40% of online shoppers on Black Friday this year purchased their goods from mobile devices. Run a quick experiment right now and walk through your website from a mobile device. Is navigating your site intuitive? Is your site's layout conducive to making a easy purchase? If not, you may want to build a responsive site for your business in 2014, that is one that automatically optimizes itself for viewing on various devices.

3) Is your business social?
Social media is the least expensive way to build up your customer base and is an essential component of any comprehensive digital marketing strategy. Do you have new products or services available to your customers? Have you been interacting with the local community lately? Spending at least 15 minutes a day communicating with your customers via sites such as Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest will ensure that your business is always on the mind of your target market.

Joseph Leehttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-57343642744944053322013-12-20T18:54:00.002-08:002013-12-20T18:54:54.709-08:00Academy Graduate Launches Business

Melvina always had an eye for detail and through the years had steady employment in jobs that allowed her to exercise her administrative skills. This all changed in the recent recession when she was laid off from her long time position in the bio-tech industry.

Rather than letting this experience get her down she saw it as a chance to make an opportunity for herself and started taking on random projects for businesses like a rodeo venue and real estate companies. She provided administrative help and consulted on a variety of topics from event planning to marketing. Her consulting company was launched before she even knew it!

However, it was not until she learned about Accion that she decided to formalize her small business. She applied and was accepted to the Accion Academy for Entrepreneurial Success, an eight-week training course that walked students from creating a business concept to launch. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates could receive a business loan up to a $5,000 to launch their business. Even more valuable than the capital however, was the education, tools and encouragement she received to help turn her business dreams into a reality.
"The Accion Academy allowed me to get my business foundation together," shared Melvina. "I've always known it could be done, but didn't have the confidence to launch. Accion changed that."

Melvina was the first Academy graduate to receive a Kiva funded start-up loan and used her $3,700 loan to purchase necessary equipment, pay for certifications to launch her business and for marketing.

As her consulting business grows, she hopes to help other people hone in their skills and launch their own businesses.

"There are so many people in a similar situation as me," shared Melvina. "I want to help them transition into what they want to do, instead of just working for someone else."Joseph Leehttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-50165377668856515142013-11-26T14:25:00.000-08:002013-11-26T15:12:54.712-08:00Accion Loans for Veterans & the Holidays

Accion is always seeking innovative ways to connect entrepreneurs with the capital that they need for their unique situations and businesses.

The Holiday Instant Loan features same-day approval on business loans up to $5,000 and is perfect for business owners who are seeking to purchase holiday inventory, hire seasonal employees or run holiday specials. By streamlining the entire loan underwriting process for loans up to $5,000, Accion will ensure that clients have ample capital to prepare their businesses for the holidays. Upon completion of the online application, you will receive a decision by the end of the same business day, with funds being disbursed once all loan documents are submitted. This special ends Dec. 13th.

Accion is also committed to assisting veterans who own a business or are considering entrepreneurship. San Diego County is home to approximately 95,000 active military personnel and over 240,000 veterans. It is also the number one destination in the country for newly returning service members, many of whom experience difficulty securing employment as they transition back into civilian life.

Our small business loans for veterans give special considerations to applicants and is available to active duty members of all branches, veterans and military spouses, and may be used for both start-ups and established businesses. Furthermore, Accion offers free small business trainings for veterans on a variety of topics. We are proud to serve our country's heroes and remain committed to helping them achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

If you or someone you know is interested in applying for our Holiday Instant Loan or our Veteran's Loan please visit www.accionsandiego.org or call (619) 795-7250.Joseph Leehttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-10916358656371012872013-11-26T14:10:00.004-08:002013-11-26T14:10:55.224-08:00#ShopSmall #GivingTuesday

Everyone knows about Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but do you know about Small Business Saturday and Giving Tuesday? Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to visit local small businesses. Since its launch in 2010, the #ShopSmall movement has experienced rapid growth, and in 2012 millions of shoppers participated, spending an estimated $5.5 billion in support of local small businesses in one day!

Join the movement! Be sure to mark November 30th on your calendar and support your local mom and pop shop! Where are YOU planning to #ShopSmall this year? If you need ideas, make sure to check out the Accion Client Directory.

After you're done shopping over the Thanksgiving weekend, make sure to give back on #GivingTuesday. On Tuesday December 3, global charities, families, businesses, students and more will come together to create #GivingTuesday.

It's a simple idea. Just find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to come together to give something back. Donate time, money or whatever else you have, and then tell everyone you can about how you are giving using the hashtag #GivingTuesday. Be a part of a national celebration of our great tradition of generosity. You can even consider a gift to Accion and support our work of empowering entrepreneurs.Joseph Leehttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-27485420998117604512013-10-31T16:54:00.003-07:002013-10-31T16:54:56.994-07:00Client Spotlight: Tin Play

By: Rory Soltan

Jeremy LeBlanc and Chad Berkey, founders of Tin Play, were bartenders when they came to the conclusion that there needed to be an all-in-one bartending tool that helped them mix drinks more quickly, while producing less waste. Over four years of development, the duo perfected their prototype and were ready to launch, only to realize that the creation of an entirely new product line required a major infusion of capital.

Having already exhausted the funding they invested from their personal bank accounts and from relatives and friends, Jeremy and Chad attended one of Accion's small business workshops to learn about the various small business financing options available to them. Learning that traditional lenders are often hesitant to offer financing to startups, they found Accion's flexible loan requirements to be a good fit for their business and took out a $25,000 loan from Accion. "Accion got the concept. Our loan officer was very friendly and made it feel easy," shared Jeremy.

Once the funding was secured and the stainless steel prototypes had been perfected, Chad and Jeremy produced an initial inventory run of the "Tin Play Well Kit" comprised of their Precision Pour Flair Tins, Cheater Tin and their Ultimate 4-in-1 Muddle. When used in lieu of the many bar implements that are available to bartenders, the waste and time to prepare beverages is reduced dramatically. Furthermore, Tin Play allows even amateur bartenders to perform entertaining maneuvers such as the five drink waterfall that only veterans could accomplish otherwise.

Early adopters of Tin Play have reported that the tool pays for itself and saves money in the long run. Bartenders spill thousands of dollars of ingredients annually; Tin Play not only helps eliminate this problem, but also entertains customers as their drinks are being made.

"It's all about creating an experience," Jeremy elaborates. "This is our stage, it's a performance every night… the server defines the experience of the customer."

Another appealing aspect of the Tin Play product line is the potential for businesses to uniquely brand their bar tools. Jeremy believes that this will appeal greatly to many potential clients. "Wouldn't you want customers to see your name every time we pour or mix?" Jeremy asked.

Making Tin Play a reality has not been without its share of hurdles however. Lead time with manufacturers abroad has made it difficult to keep up with demand. Furthermore, the patent process has been both costly and time consuming, and the pair has learned to produce their own patent documents to save funds. Jeremy shared, "If I could give advice to someone hoping to start their own product, I'd tell them to find a great patent attorney and never give up. Nothing happens overnight."

Though they have sold a modest 2,500 units to date, Tin Play is starting to gain widespread attention. Tin Play products are already on shelves at major retailers such as Bed Bath and Beyond, and there are many more retail deals in the works. Recently, the Home Shopping Network inquired about a 10,000 unit order for their show, and they have also caught the attention of Diageo, the world's largest distiller. Chad and Jeremy hope that such partnerships would allow Tin Play to be distributed internationally. Furthermore, they have been the subject of a special feature with the San Diego Union Tribune and last year, the entrepreneurial television series "Shark Tank" approached them for an appearance and potential equity deal. Although it was a huge publicity opportunity, Jeremy and Chad had reservations about relinquishing full control of their company, as they remain committed to their vision of developing "bar products made by bartenders." They believe that this commitment will put them in the most advantageous position for growth, and both are extremely optimistic about the future of their company.

So what's next for these two entrepreneurs? Jeremy says that they have been careful to not divulge too much too soon. "We have some new ideas that we are very excited about, I can't exactly say what they are but we always look for multiple functions in our design process."

Joseph Leehttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-44912006442743202002013-09-26T11:35:00.002-07:002014-02-04T11:58:18.144-08:00[Press Release] Accion San Diego Receives $747,000 CDFI Fund Grant
--Grant is the single largest financial contribution made to the organization to date—

Accion San Diego, a nonprofit microlender offering business loans from $300 to $50,000, was awarded a $747,000 grant on Sept. 24, from the Department of Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI). The CDFI fund uses federal resources to invest in local non-profits in order to serve low-income people and communities that lack access to affordable financial products and services.

This is the largest CDFI Fund grant that the organization has ever received, having been awarded $600,000 for the past two years in a row. It is also the single largest financial contribution received in the organization's 19-year history.

"We are thrilled that our work in economic development continues to be recognized by the CDFI Fund," said Executive Director Elizabeth Schott. "We remain committed to our mission of empowering entrepreneurs, and will utilize much of this grant to provide capital for small business owners to start or grow their businesses, support their families and continue to assist in rebuilding the economy."

The other four members of the Accion U.S. Network, the largest micro- and small business lending network in the United States, were also awarded grants from the CDFI Fund. This is the first time that all five members, which operate as independent 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations, were all awarded grants in the same year. In total, $7.1 million was awarded:

Accion San Diego received $747,000,

Accion Chicago received $847,000,

Accion East and Online received $1.35 million,

Accion New Mexico • Arizona • Colorado received $1.35 million,

and Accion Texas Inc. received $1.35 million. In addition, the organization also received $1.5 million as part of the Healthy Foods Financing program, one of only 10 awardees in this category.

Accion's CDFI Fund awards will support the five organizations in increasing access to capital in the 25 cities and 49 states they collectively serve.

This year's CDFI Fund awards provided over $172 million to 191 organizations serving low-to-moderate communities throughout the United States. Awardees represent a diverse group of credit unions, depository institutions, loan funds and venture capital funds.

###

About Accion San Diego

Accion San Diego is a non-profit microlender dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with the accessible financing and resources it takes to create or grow healthy businesses. By providing loans ranging from $300 to $50,000, it creates opportunity for increased income, economic stability and employment. Since 1994, Accion has provided more than 2,900 loans totaling more than $18 million in San Diego County.

Accion San Diego is a member of the Accion U.S. Network, the largest micro- and small business-lending network in the United States. The network's five members have collectively made more than 47,700 loans totaling more than $380 million. Globally, Accion is a pioneer in microfinance, reaching millions of individuals through its international network of partners. For more information on Accion San Diego, visit www.accionsandiego.org.

About the CDFI Fund

Since its creation in 1994, the CDFI Fund has awarded over $1.7 billion to CDFIs, community development organizations and financial institutions through the CDFI Program, the Bank Enterprise Awards Program, the Capital Magnet Fund, the Financial Education and Counseling Pilot Program, and the Native American CDFI Assistance Program. In addition, the CDFI Fund has allocated $33 billion in tax credit authority to Community Development Entities through the New Markets Tax Credit Program.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact:

Elizabeth Schott

email@example.com

(619) 795-7250 ext. 406
Joseph Leehttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-30392689292055751002013-08-30T12:24:00.000-07:002013-09-05T10:54:42.939-07:00Which Credit Card Reader is Right for You?

By: Rory Soltan, Accion Intern

If you're a small business owner, one of the easiest methods of accepting payments today is through a smartphone credit card reader. Although originally popular for those with a pop-up business or food truck, use of these devices is becoming increasingly ubiquitous in small businesses of all types.

While Square was the first on the market and now accounts for over $8 billion in transactions nationwide, a sea of contenders are now available, each powered through the audio jack of your phone or tablet. Major banks, such as Bank of America and Chase, have also come onto the scene, adopting the simpler fee structures of their competitors.

Card readers allow for fast and secure payments on the fly, but not all readers are alike. Although each reader is free to order, all have slightly different terms and fee structures, so it is up to each small business owner to decide which is most appropriate for their needs.

Slightly larger than a quarter in size, Square offers a user friendly interface with two fee structures. For most, the 2.75% per swipe fee is best, whereas high-volume businesses may take advantage of the $275 flat monthly fee, as long as item prices are under $400. Transactions are deposited into your bank account each evening. Though its per swipe fee is slightly higher than its competitors, Square offers an advanced "Square Register" system and marketing opportunities for its clients. Also, for high-volume businesses, its monthly flat fee can't be beat.

Paypal Here integrates into PayPal's widely used payment ecosystem, which allows for funds to be used instantly online. This can be preferable for small business owners who want immediate access to their funds or e-commerce merchants who already use Pay Pal to process sales. Pay Pal's per-swipe fee is 2.7%, as oppose to Square's 2.75%, no matter the volume or price of items. Though PayPal advertises their fee rate at only 1.7%, this only applies if you use your funds with their free debit card.

Intuit GoPayment charges 2.75% on all swipes or you can decrease the swipe fee down to 1.75% with a $13 monthly fee. In order to justify the monthly payment more than $1,500 a month of goods should be sold. One of the advantages of this system is that it easily integrates into QuickBooks for greater convenience. Funds are available in 2-3 business days, which is considerably slower than its competitors.

If you want to minimize the number of accounts you manage, you may want to look into your bank's mobile pay options, which link directly with your business checking account. For example, Bank of America offers their own reader for a competitive 2.7% per swipe on most cards; American Express rates will vary depending on various factors.

*Though every attempt has been made to insure this information is accurate, please do your own proper research to identify which is best for your needs.

When choosing a smartphone credit card reader it is important to consider your gross monthly sales, in addition to how quickly you require access to your funds. For low-volume businesses all options are relatively comparable. When sales exceed $1,500 a month GoPayment may be ideal, whereas sales in excess of $15,000 may merit Square's flat monthly fee. If instant access to funds is a priority Paypal Here may be best. Finally, consider your banks offerings, as they may be more willing to work with you to keep your business within their ecosystem of services. Regardless of your selection, each offers an easy way to process payments from your pocket!

Joseph Leehttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-40537709300369807922013-07-29T12:42:00.002-07:002013-11-13T13:55:52.980-08:00Free Business Counseling in San Diego
By: Annik Prasad, Accion Intern

The California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has long partnered with Accion to provide entrepreneurs with resources needed to start and sustain successful small businesses. For the past year, the Accion San Diego offices have provided office space for SBDC counselors to offer free business counseling for the Accion community.

SBDC consultant Joe Silverman is available at Accion's office from Tuesday through Friday, offering one-on-one business counseling to start-up or existing businesses. Joe sat down with me to help spread awareness on the many services the SBDC has to offer.

How and when was the Small Business Development of North County established?

The SBDC in San Diego was started in 1999 and is funded in part by the Small Business Administration. It is hosted by Mira Costa College. There is also another location in South County in National City. Our mission is to help small business owners or people who are trying to start a small business.

What type of services does the SBDC provide and what is the cost?

The majority of our services are free. We provide two key types of services– business counseling and workshops. Our business counseling services are one-on-one and at no cost, which typically last about 1 to 1.5 hours. The Center has experts to provide consulting on topics related to business planning, accounting, human resources, certification programs, management, finance, marketing and other general business questions. We also have no or low cost workshops and seminars on topics like government contracting and entity formation.

How do you connect with entrepreneurs and business owners?

We partner with organizations like Accion that offer services and resources to entrepreneurs. We recently partnered with Kimco, a real-estate investment company, and developed a series of classes to give entrepreneurs the tools to start and grow their businesses. People who complete all classes in the series may quality for discounted rent at a Kimco retail center.

Are the services only for start-ups or do you also work with established businesses?

We work with entrepreneurs in all stages of their businesses. Often I find that long time business owners are not aware that services like this are available to them, and they are grateful when they finally find us.

What are some common questions or issues that come up are during your consulting sessions?

One thing I have realized over time is that people really tend to underestimate how much money they will need to get started. For example, many people want to start a restaurant, but don't realize that there are health and safety issues, building permits, and other regulatory issues that all cost money. I always advise my clients to make sure to count all the costs before launching out.

How long have you been with the SBDC of San Diego and what is your favorite part of the work you do?

I have been doing this for over 12 years. There are some common issues, like questions about how to deal with credit problems and how to access capital to start a business. But, it never gets boring. I am amazed at the issues that come up. Just when you think you've seen everything, something new pops up.

How did things change after the 2008 economic downturn? Did you notice a change in the number of entrepreneurs coming to you for help?

One thing I can say is that the entrepreneurial spirit has not been dampened. Whether the economy is up or down, there are always people with new ideas who want to go into business. If anything changed, there was more interest in government contracting right after the 2008 downturn, but things have returned to normal since then.

How can people set up an appointment for SBDC counseling?

To schedule an appointment with an SBDC consultant, call (760) 795-8740. You can also call Accion San Diego at (619) 795-7250 to schedule a session with me at Accion's office.

For more information about the San Diego SBDC visit the North County website at www.SanDiegoSmallBiz.com or the South County website at www.growmybiz.org.

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ANNIK PRASADhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-72044467112705442922013-07-23T12:17:00.000-07:002014-02-04T12:17:46.419-08:00[Press Release] ACCION RECEIVES UNION BANK FOUNDATION GRANT TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS

(L-R) Accion Director of Lending Robert Lopez; Union Bank Senior Vice President and Regional Executive Lawrence Henry; Union Bank Vice President and Foundation Officer Kathy Patoff; Accion Executive Director Elizabeth Schott; Accion Director of Finance Javier Islas; Union Bank Business Banking Regional Vice President Kelly Kline; Union Bank Senior Vice President and Foundation President Carl Ballton; and Union Bank Business Banking Development Officer Paul Johnson.

SAN DIEGO, CA (July 23, 2013) – Accion San Diego, a nonprofit micro-lender offering small business resources and loans from $300 to $50,000, is the recipient of a grant funded by the Union Bank Foundation to support small businesses in San Diego County. The $75,000 grant, paid over three years, comes after the foundation recently announced grant funding, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, for nearly 30 small business technical assistance and homeownership counseling nonprofit organizations in California and the Pacific Northwest.

Union Bank Senior Vice President and Regional Executive Lawrence Henry, Senior Vice President and Foundation President Carl Ballton and Vice President and Foundation Officer Kathy Patoff presented the $75,000 grant to Accion Executive Director Elizabeth Schott and other staff at Accion's office.

"We are pleased to receive this grant from the Union Bank Foundation to support and increase the services that we provide to small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly in the low income ethnic minority communities that we serve," said Accion Executive Director Elizabeth Schott. "This is one way that small businesses may continue to strive and provide jobs in our local communities."

The grant will help Accion continue its work in the community and increase the scope and quality of services in low-to-moderate-income communities.

"Union Bank is committed to helping businesses increase their revenue and the number of employees they hire," said Ballton. "We share Accion's passion for empowering small businesses to grow and succeed, and we recognize that small businesses are the backbone of this nation's economic recovery."

For more information on Accion's business loans and entrepreneurial resources, visit http://www.accionsandiego.org or call (619) 795-7250

About Accion San Diego
Accion San Diego is a non-profit microlender dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with the accessible financing and resources it takes to create or grow healthy businesses. By providing loans ranging from $300 to $50,000, it creates opportunity for increased income, economic stability and employment. Since 1994, Accion has provided more than 2,900 loans totaling more than $18 million in San Diego County.

Accion San Diego is a member of the Accion U.S. Network, the largest micro- and small business-lending network in the United States. The network's five members have collectively made more than 45,000 loans totaling more than $350 million. Globally, Accion is a pioneer in microfinance, reaching millions of individuals through its international network of partners. For more information on Accion San Diego, visit www.accionsandiego.org.

###

For Immediate Release
Press Contact:
Elizabeth Schott
 (619) 795-7250 ext. 406
firstname.lastname@example.com

Joseph Leehttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-16000671653381573202013-07-01T12:09:00.000-07:002013-07-31T12:13:45.342-07:00Small Business Week Fundraisers
Thank you to everyone who celebrated San Diego entrepreneurs with us and contributed to another successful year of fundraising during National Small Business Week, June 16-21! This year Accion partnered with its clients Carnitas' Snack Shack and Mama Testa to host two restaurant fundraisers for Accion. Both restaurants donated 20% of proceeds back to Accion to directly support its work of supporting small businesses in San Diego County.

Accion staff, board members, clients and community supporters came out to eat in support and almost $2000 was raised over two days. Also, local TV station KUSI featured Accion clients Mama Testa on Monday the 17th and Rawknykz Barbershop on Friday the 21st for special Business Week segments highlighting San Diego's thriving small business community.

 Joseph Leehttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-36528011435746738572013-06-17T08:37:00.000-07:002013-07-30T16:11:20.155-07:00It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Yesteryear

By: Annik Prasad

Michael Cholak now realizes what his parents did when they took him to a comic book store some 30 years ago. His parents encouraged him to pick up five or six comic books, and being a child of the Star Wars generation, he grabbed Star Wars issues one through six. He recalls the shock on his parents' faces when they saw the $42 bill, but they did it. They put it on a credit card. "I don't know how long it took them to pay it off," he shared with a smile. Michael had always struggled with reading, but his parents knew this would be his the secret to his success. "I read and reread them. Within six months, my reading improved by two grade levels."

Michael toyed with idea of opening a comic book store for over a decade. San Diego did not have what he calls a "traditional" comic book store. "A lot of dealers, in my opinion, forgot the fundamentals. The books are meant to be fun, escape from everyday problems. A lot of dealers can't drop their fanboy status…they take care of their own collectible needs. When customers enter a comic book store they may get a 'how's it going' but there's no real communication."

Determined to do it different , Michael opened Yesteryear Comics on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in 2012. A Chase banker referred him to Accion and he took out a $35,000 Accion loan to get things started. He put a portion to advertising on Rock 105.3 and quickly made enough money to do some more advertising with Marvel, one of the world's largest comic distributors. Advertising with Marvel caused business to double, exceeding all his expectations.

One of Michael's favorite things is personally interacting with his customers and making comic recommendations according to their interests. Recently, a military lieutenant walked in with his kids and asked for help. Michael suggested a Batman comic, and not only did the kids become return customers, but the lieutenant rediscovered his love for comics! "He is probably reading 20-25 different books a month now. His kids too."

For Michael, it is not just about making the sale, but helping customers discover or rediscover a character that grabs them. He estimates that people who have not read comics in 10-15 years, make up 35-40% of his customers. Furthermore, Michael is passionate about paying forward the gift of reading that his parents gave him. "It sounds weird, but kids just don't read anymore. Not like they used to," shared Michael. He admits he was caught off guard by how many parents walk in looking for ways to get their kids off of computers and iPods. One regular customer comes all the way from Newport Beach. "She'd pick up a whole bunch of comics and take them to her son. A month later, he'd absorbed them and needed more."

Sales are increasing month after month and sales for June may set a record for Yesteryear, particularly because of the recent released of Superman Unchained celebrating Superman's 75th anniversary. He is also hoping that Comic-Con in July will bring in additional revenue as hoards of comic book lovers visit the city. A huge supporter of the event, he is adamant that this world famous convention does not end up leaving San Diego. "It brings in huge revenue for San Diego," shared Michael. "If it goes anywhere else, it's going to hurt San Diego."

What's next? Michael's plan is to keep growing. The store is already outgrowing its retail space and he expects to have to double space and add staff, especially with the new Kaiser hospital set to open next door in 2017.

Yesteryear Comics
9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123

ANNIK PRASADhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-51437601084688376822013-06-05T11:46:00.000-07:002013-06-05T11:49:10.261-07:00La Idea Launches Pitch Competition

Accion has partnered with the State Department, USAID, SBA, and Univision to provide business education, resources and networking for Latino entrepreneurs in the U.S. Together with our partners, we recently announced the launch of the La Idea Business Pitch Competition, where American entrepreneurs with business partnerships in Latin America are competing for up to $50,000, as well as in kind business support services. Are you a business owner with a partnership in Latin America? Get started today, visit the La Idea website!Joseph Leehttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-67876473508633506302013-05-31T12:52:00.000-07:002013-05-31T12:52:10.637-07:00Going Green & Saving Money
By: Annik Prasad

Small businesses can take small steps and reap large benefits for both the environment and finances. Simple practices can reduce energy costs, while also attracting more business. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 73% of consumers think a company's environmental record is important. Areas of focus for energy savings include waste, energy use, paper and water use.

Waste:

Did you know that you could make money from recycling in San Diego? Click the link at the end of this article to see the full blog post written by former Accion client Recycle San Diego, in San Diego Magazine. Some key points are included below. Note that you may need to pay to recycle certain items, including appliances that contain CFCs, tires and electronics, which California law bans from the trash.

If your business uses beverage containers, it can mean potential extra money in your pocket. Recycle aluminum, plastic, glass and steel beverage containers.

The city pays scrap value for certain metals, cardboard and newspaper. You can call the Miramar Recycling Center ahead of time to find out which types of recyclables the city pays for and how much money your scrap materials are worth.

Choose suppliers who take back packaging for reuse.

Make "green thinking" part of every day. Encourage employees to share ideas for saving energy and reducing waste. Create a pleasant kitchen environment, including dishes and utensils, that encourages employees to bring lunch to work.

Search for products and services in the local community. Choose earth-friendly cleaning supplies, typically made in a more concentrated format, saving on both packaging and transportation costs.

Get creative. Purchase used furniture and make it your own. Before discarding office furniture, consider refurbishing it, which might be less expensive.

Energy:

Natural daylight is a no-cost source of lighting. Consider opening up your floor plan and getting rid of blinds.

Turn off equipment when it's not in use. Program computers to "go to sleep" after a period of inactivity and unplug power strips nightly to halt phantom power drain. These changes can reduce your energy consumption by 25%. Turning off computers at the end of the workday can save even more.

Use programmable thermostats and timers. Increase insulation around windows and in walls. Install CFL or LED light bulbs in place of incandescent light bulbs for long-lasting energy savings.

Paper:

Encourage communication by email and printing only when necessary. Request that vendors bill you electronically and provide the same for customers whenever possible.

Reduce fax-related paper waste. Eliminate fax cover sheets and, when possible, send documents directly from your computer.

Print double-sided documents. Use paper with maximum available recycled content.

Water:

Check that water faucets don't drip. (One drop wasted per second wastes 10,000 liters per year.)

Outfit restrooms with low-flow toilets and aerated or motion-sensor faucets.

San Diego Magazine post by Recycle San Diego: www.sandiegomagazine.com/Blogs/Go-Green/Winter-Spring-2012/Sponsor-Post-Make-Money-by-Recycling-in-San-Diego/

The City of San Diego's recycling programs: www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/index.shtml

ANNIK PRASADhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-53787153592052594922013-05-27T17:03:00.000-07:002013-06-03T17:04:38.114-07:00San Diego Energy Diet

Have you heard of the San Diego Energy Diet? The newest trend in dieting is called the Energy Diet and San Diego Gas and Electric is helping to slim down their customer's energy bill. If you have been trying to reduce, but haven't seen results, you've got to try this! With so many households and businesses unaware of the energy drips that are happening every day, SDG&E is offering energy saving tips on their website to help you save you money. The Energy Diet site helps users understand their bill and tabs that users can click to access tools, tips and videos on how to save energy and money.

The site also features an energy saving calculator that shows how many kilowatt-hours of energy and how much money can be saved with simple changes around the household or business. With all of the money that you will save on your energy bill, you can go ahead and purchase that hot bathing suit for this summer! For more information, visit: www.sdge.com/energydiet.

 Joseph Leehttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-67329672350759448162013-04-30T10:22:00.001-07:002013-04-30T10:24:14.019-07:00Raise a Pint, Brew a DreamAccion partner The Boston Beer Company has just announced its latest promotion—Raise a Pint, Brew a Dream.

The promotion, being offered from April 15 to May 31, 2013, will support small businesses by raising funds for the Brewing the American Dream program. For every Samuel Adams Boston Lager draft purchased, from a participating location, The Boston Beer Company will contribute $.05 to our Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream Fund. And the great news is there are over 10,000 participating bars and restaurants across the United States!

Since the Brewing the American Dream program began in 2008, more than 230 loans totaling over $2 million have been made to small businesses across the country. One of those loans was to Alberto Boleres of Chicago.

Boleres came up with the idea to start his own café while serving in Iraq. He witnessed the camaraderie at a coffee shop near his residence and found his passion. He returned to the U.S. as a Purple Heart Veteran with the goal of knowing the coffee industry inside and out. Alberto was determined to start his own business.

He traveled to Guatemala, his father's home country, and completed coursework on everything from being a barista to learning the logistics of importing and exporting products. After researching the industry for 2 years, he decided to sell coffee wholesale to restaurants, corporations, and hotels and eventually decided to open his own café. With a business plan in place and new customers eager to buy, Alberto was ready to start selling coffee.

A $3,000 loan from Accion's Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream program gave Alberto the ability to buy coffee of five delicious varieties: pacamara, peaberry, espresso blend, special blend and bourbon. He was able to achieve his goal of starting a small business and has since received valuable marketing advice through one-on-one counseling from a Samuel Adams employee. Today, Alberto sells his coffee to restaurants, cafes, hotels, country clubs, bed & breakfasts and online. To check out his delicious coffee products visit www.boleres.com.

This spring help entrepreneurs like Alberto Boleres make their dream a reality! Remember, if you're going to enjoy a pint make it a Samuel Adams Boston Lager and support small businesses across the U.S.!

Joseph Leehttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-70102450015724420692013-04-25T16:06:00.000-07:002013-04-25T16:07:34.379-07:00Keepin' It Social Media

by: Joseph Lee

If you're like most small business owners, you've already jumped onto the social media bandwagon. You may even be posting the occasional tweet or sharing some interesting pictures with your fans. The problem is there is still no one following you or interacting with your posts, and you're starting to wonder if the 10 minutes a day you spend posting content is worth your time. You're a busy business owner after all!

The jury is still out on how effective social media marketing is in driving sales. However, experts agree that social media is a great way to have a conversation with your customers and build brand recognition. According to recent Nielson studies, Americans spend more time on social media than any other type of online activity. This is a huge pool of potential customers and clients that you can engage with through this medium.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Keep it social. People don't go on Facebook to look at ads, but rather to make personal connections with people. Though your ultimate goal is to make the sale, you must do this through making a perceived personal connection with potential customers. Use informal language, engaging potential customers like you would a friend. Also, respond directly to what people are saying with comments (Facebook) or mentions (Twitter).

Be Likeable. Social media marketing is ultimately permission based marketing, so it's only effective if you can maintain your following. When people follow you or "like" your page, they are opting in to receive content from you. This also means they can just as easily opt out. Post likeable content such as helpful tips, free giveaways or engaging conversation starters to keep people interested. Remember no one "likes" ads.

Be patient and stay active. Even good social media marketing strategies are long-term strategies that take time and diligence to implement. You should expect to spend some time daily being active on your social media sites. Online tools such as Hootsuite.com and Crowdbooster.com can be helpful in automating posts. Though you may not see an immediate ROI, social media can help in building customer loyalty and increasing the quality of your brand over the long haul.

Get the word out! Tell your customers to get involved in your social media. Ask customers to write reviews or engage with your social media. Put links to your social media on your emails, website, newsletters, etc.

Utilize each social media platform for what it is most effective in doing. There are dozens of different platforms out there, and each of them fills a different social need. A good strategy will utilize the strengths of each of these platforms. One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make is trying to be on every social media site, while not staying active on any of them. With limited capacity, it is strategic for a small business owner to focus their efforts on the social media platform that best helps them meet their goals.

Which social media platform should I invest my time in?

Are you high volume, quick transaction? Twitter.

Does your business gather community or "fans" that like to engage with each other? Facebook.

Is lack of knowledge a common barrier for your potential customers? Blogs such as Wordpress or Tumblr.

Are you business to business (B2S)? Linkedin.

Is your business heavily dependent on referrals? Yelp.

Does your company utilize media heavily? Youtube.

Solicit the help of someone under 30. The heaviest users of social media are between 18 to 34 years old. This group is naturally "experts" when it comes to social media. What might take you two hours to do, one of your younger employees might be able to do in 10 minutes.

For more practical social media tips check out Likeable Social Media by Dave Kerpen and 42 Rules of Social Media for Small Business by Jennifer L. Jacobson.

 Joseph Lee is the Marketing & Resource Manager for Accion San Diego, a nonprofit microfinance organization dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs through providing business resources and loans from $300 to $50,000.
Joseph Leehttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982988994948199746.post-68671670239438837012013-04-01T15:56:00.000-07:002013-04-25T15:59:07.434-07:00San Diego Small Businesses are Engines for Job Creation, Reports Accion's microTracker Small Business Lending Outcomes Study

Conducted in Partnership With the Aspen Institute, Study Highlights Microbusiness Outcomes on Local Communities

By providing loans that average just $11,500, microlender Accion San Diego is significantly contributing to small business sustainability, small-business owner income and job creation, according to Accion's microTracker lending outcomes study released today. Conducted in partnership with the Aspen Institute, the study highlighted microloan recipients as key engines for job creation and economic stability despite slowdowns in the economy.

Four member organizations of the Accion U.S. Network, the largest microfinance network in the United States, including Accion San Diego, conducted the survey in partnership with Opportunity Fund, to create the largest national sample of microloan borrowers in any lending outcomes study to date. More than 475 businesses participated nationwide, painting a vivid picture of the local outcomes of various microfinance offices around the country.

There was a 31 percent response rate among Accion San Diego clients interviewed. Key San Diego-specific findings include:

Microloans contribute to strong, sustainable small businesses. Of small businesses surveyed in 2010 who responded, 100 percent reported that they were still in business in 2012.

Microloans contribute to creating and sustaining jobs. Of businesses reporting employees, each reported employing 4.5 individuals on average including the owner.

Microloans contribute to increases in business revenue. 60 percent of small business owners surveyed reported an increase in business revenue.

Microloans contribute to small business owner take-home pay. 60 percent reported that they had an increase in owner's draw, with 56 percent reporting that income paid from the business after two years exceeded or met their business goals.

Accion supports small businesses primed for growth and ready to contribute to the local economy. 42 percent of borrowers surveyed reported seeking a loan to substantially grow their business, and 78 percent of reported that their businesses were full-time endeavors.

Accion is a lender of choice for small business owners. 93 percent of borrowers reported that Accion's products and services completely or mostly met their expectations.

"These survey results highlight the vital role microfinance plays in sustaining and building local economies," explains Elizabeth Schott, executive director of Accion San Diego. "During the financial crisis brought on by the recession, microlending has served as a survival and growth mechanism for our local small businesses."

A whitepaper and infographic highlights the national MicroTest results that echo San Diego-specific findings. This can be found at: http://us.accion.org/microTracker.
 Joseph Leehttps://firstname.lastname@example.com


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Jean Maurice Eugne Clment Cocteau (July 5, 1889 October 11, 1963) was a French poet, novelist, dramatist, designer, boxing manager and filmmaker. He was born at Maisons-Laffitte, France, a small town near Paris. His versatile, unconventional approach and enormous output brought him international acclaim.