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Accion Opportunity Fund: Accessible and Affordable Small-Business Loans

Accion Opportunity Fund specializes in small-business term loans but also now offers SBA 7(a) loans, equipment leasing and truck financing. Qualification requirements are more accessible than banks, and interest rates are lower than many other online lenders.
Lisa A. Anthony Karrin Sehmbi

Written by

Karrin Sehmbi , Lisa A. Anthony
Karrin Sehmbi ,
Lisa A. Anthony
Sally Lauckner

Edited by

Sally Lauckner
Sally Lauckner

Edited by

Sally Lauckner
Last updated on Apr 17, 2026

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Lisa A. Anthony Karrin Sehmbi

Written by

Karrin Sehmbi , Lisa A. Anthony
Karrin Sehmbi ,
Lisa A. Anthony
Sally Lauckner

Edited by

Sally Lauckner
Sally Lauckner

Edited by

Sally Lauckner
Last updated on Apr 17, 2026

Expert verified

Why trust NerdWallet

Advertiser disclosure

Accion Opportunity Fund Small Business Working Capital Loan

The bottom line:

Accion Opportunity Fund is a good option for businesses that haven't been able to secure traditional financing. The lender targets its funding efforts toward minority, women and low-to-moderate-income entrepreneurs.

Loan details

Min. Loan Amount

$5,000

Min. Term Length

18 months

Min. APR

9.99%

Max Loan Amount

$250,000

Max Term Length

3 years

Max APR

28.95%

Qualifications

Min. credit score

Min. credit score

620

Min. Time in Business

Min. Time in Business

12 months

Min. Annual Revenue

Min. Annual Revenue

$100,000

Pros & Cons

Pros

    pros icon
    Competitive interest rates.
    pros icon
    No prepayment penalty.
    pros icon
    Business advising and learning development resources.
    pros icon
    Dedication to supporting underserved communities.

Cons

    cons icon
    UCC lien filed for loans greater than $50,000.
    cons icon
    Slower processing speed compared with online lenders.
    cons icon
    Not available in all U.S. states.
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Min. credit score
620
Min. credit score
570
Min. credit score
600
Min. Time in Business
12 months
Min. Time in Business
6 months
Min. Time in Business
6 months
Max Loan Amount
$250,000
Max Loan Amount
$1,500,000
Max Loan Amount
$500,000
Need more options? Check our picks for best small business loans of 2026
Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF) is a nonprofit community lender offering customized loans to small-business owners throughout most of the U.S. Accion offers different types of loans, including SBA loans, equipment leasing and truck financing. This review will focus on the lender’s primary loan product: the small-business term loan.
AOF is dedicated to supporting borrowers in underserved communities, including people of color, women and those with low-to-moderate income. In fact, 90% of its borrowers fall into this category. In addition to small-business loans, AOF also provides educational resources and coaching support in English and Spanish.

Consider Accion Opportunity Fund if you:

  • Don't have perfect credit. Accion’s credit score requirement falls within the range that FICO labels as fair credit (a score of 580 to 669). That said, the lender weighs factors other than just your credit score to determine qualification.
  • Operate in an underserved community. If you identify as a minority, woman or veteran business owner, or if you operate a business in a low-to-moderate income area, then you fit exactly the target demographic for AOF’s lending.
  • Are interested in business development resources. In addition to financing options, Accion offers business advising sessions and online courses.

How much do you need?

See Your Loan Options

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Accion Opportunity Fund term loan details

Loan amount
From $5,000 to $250,000.
Interest rates
9.99% to 28.95%.
Origination fees
3% to 5%.
Terms
18 to 36 months. (No penalty for repaying early.)
Repayment schedule
Monthly.
Funding speed
Find out if you're preapproved in just minutes. Receive funding in an average of six business days.

Where Accion Opportunity Fund stands out

Accessible qualification requirements

AOF can use more than a borrower's credit score to determine whether they qualify for a business loan. For example, the lender will also consider revenue and expenses when evaluating business loan applications. AOF is committed to making small-business loans accessible to underserved communities.
» MORE: Best options for business loans for bad credit

Multiple loan options

AOF can structure a loan to meet your specific business needs. After submitting an application, you may be able to choose from several loan options with different term lengths, interest rates and monthly payment amounts.
Additionally, whereas some lenders provide only one type of loan, AOF has expanded its offerings to include SBA, equipment and truck loans.

Additional services offered

AOF does more to help small businesses than just offering loans. Free business coaching and mentoring are also available. You can set up an appointment for one-on-one assistance from a business advisor (some are bilingual in English and Spanish). You can also sign up for group coaching, which is designed to help businesses that are in the startup phase. In addition, AOF has built a library of online courses spanning topics from financial management and legal considerations to e-commerce and marketing.

Where Accion Opportunity Fund falls short

Funds can't be used to start a business

AOF loans are designed to support existing small-business owners, and you’ll need to be in operation for a minimum of 12 months to apply. This means you won't be able to use loan funds to start a business. However, AOF’s 12-month requirement is generous compared with the typical required minimum of 24 months in operation.
» MORE: Where to find startup business financing

Loan programs aren't available in all U.S. states

AOF loans are available in most U.S. states, but you won't be eligible if your business is located in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee or Vermont. Also, minimum loan amounts and business entity requirements apply in certain states.

Alternatives to Accion loans

SBA microloan
SBA microloan

U.S. Small Business Administration

SBA microloan

Max Loan Amount

$50,000

Read Review
External link icon Apply now

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Consider an SBA microloan over AOF if you:
  • Have been in operation less than one year.
  • Are shopping for a lower interest rate.
Accion offers the most popular type of SBA loan, the SBA 7(a) loan. But an SBA microloan is another great option to consider. These loans are funded by the Small Business Administration but issued by intermediary lenders, often nonprofits and community lenders. Like AOF, these loans are particularly designed to support underserved populations, so they come with more accessible qualification requirements than some of the other SBA loan programs.
In addition, funds from an SBA microloan can be used to start a business. AOF loans, by contrast, cannot be used to start a business. A business must be in operation for a minimum of 12 months to qualify for an AOF loan. One drawback to SBA microloans, though, is that loan amounts max out at $50,000.
Kiva U.S.
Kiva U.S. - Microloan

Kiva U.S.

Kiva U.S. - Microloan

Max Loan Amount

$15,000
Consider Kiva U.S. over AOF if you:
  • Need only a very small loan of $15,000 or less.
  • Can’t meet AOF’s minimum credit score requirement (Kiva doesn’t have one).
  • Have friends and family who would be willing to contribute to your loan.
Kiva is a nonprofit that facilitates peer-to-peer microlending for small businesses. You can get up to $15,000 at 0% interest if you qualify. Kiva loans don't require a minimum credit score or collateral.
Still, there are other eligibility requirements. The business must be based in the U.S. (though businesses registered in Nevada or North Dakota are not eligible). You can't currently be in foreclosure, bankruptcy or under any liens. And you’ll need a PayPal account to receive and repay your funds.
One unique feature of Kiva’s lending model is the requirement that borrowers first demonstrate their creditworthiness by gathering investment from friends and family.
» MORE: NerdWallet’s top microlenders

Methodology

NerdWallet’s review process evaluates and rates small-business loan products from traditional banks and online lenders. We collect over 30 data points on each lender using company websites and public documents. We may also go through a lender’s initial application flow and reach out to company representatives. NerdWallet writers and editors conduct a full fact check and update annually, but also make updates throughout the year as necessary.
Our star ratings award points to lenders that offer small-business friendly features, including: transparency of rates and terms, flexible payment options, fast funding times, accessible customer service, reporting of payments to business credit bureaus and responsible lending practices. We weigh these factors based on our assessment of which are the most important to small-business owners and how meaningfully they impact borrowers’ experiences.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings. Read more about our ratings methodology for small-business loans and our editorial guidelines.