Lazaro is a very enterprising barber, and one dedicated to providing his clients with excellent service. He began his career by working for another barber, and saved his money to go out on his own. Lazaro now has his own store and a loyal clientele base. He also rents chairs in his shop to other barbers. Lazaro is proud to create employment opportunities for others in his community.

The proceeds from Lazaro’s ACCION USA loan will allow him to remodel and modernize his shop, including several "green" improvements. With the help and support of his parents, this Cuban-born entrepreneur is determined to continue succeeding.


About U.S. Microfinance and ACCION USA:
Have you ever thought about how the cute new café on your corner or the salon you frequent every month got the financial resources to start their business? Chances are, they drummed up support from their friends and family, dipped into their personal savings, used a high-interest credit card, or all of the above. An estimated ten million small businesses in the U.S. face difficulty obtaining loans from traditional banks, even prior to the current “credit crisis”. Microfinance institutions, like ACCION USA, support these “unbanked” small businesses by giving them access to fairly-priced capital and business education.

Small businesses also help stabilize low- to moderate-income neighborhoods and rebuild our economy through income growth and job creation. Self-employment provides workers with a way to increase their incomes, support their families, and strengthen their communities. As unemployment rises in the U.S., more and more people are turning to self-employment and start-up enterprises as a way to take control of their economic futures and provide employment opportunities in their communities. The need for support of small businesses in the U.S. is great, and it is one that ACCION USA has been striving to meet since 1991.