Access Plus Capital is Shaping the Central Valley One Small Business at a Time

Every day across the Central Valley, entrepreneurs are pursuing their dreams. People like Jorge Dominguez, CEO of Robertito’s Taco Shop; Hakim Hampton, owner of H&M Janitorial; Lena Jill, founder of Sofia’s Creaciones; and many more.

These business owners and entrepreneurs have received support from Access Plus Capital (APC). APC is a lender whose mission is to expand economic opportunities for underserved business owners. It grew out of a sad reality: talent and creativity are universal, but access to funding is not.

APC's goal is to create a stronger, more inclusive economy for everyone in Central California. Their first clients were refugee Southeast Asian farmers.

As a community development financial institution (CDFI), APC is a mission-driven organization rooted in the Central Valley. They use both public and private capital to provide financing in places traditional banks often overlook, directing investment into neighborhoods facing persistent economic barriers.

Now, APC is working to address another looming issue: climate change. In 2024, APC launched the Green Futures Loan. Business owners can use funding for energy-efficient equipment, LED lighting, Energy Star appliances and more.

Through Access Plus Capital’s Green Futures lending program, Bravo Bin Cleaning invested in energy-efficient equipment to strengthen operations while reducing environmental impact. Their success demonstrates how flexible capital can help small businesses grow sustainably and advance a cleaner, more resilient local economy.

“We want to help people who are committed to making California cleaner and healthier,” said Ushan Samarakone, APC’s Vice President of Impact.

APC’s Green Futures Loan is the awardee of a Catalyst grant administered by the Sierra San Joaquin Jobs (S2J2) Initiative, a four-county economic development plan to create quality jobs and economic access for all residents. The Central Valley Community Foundation serves as the regional convener and fiscal agent for S2J2 and provides support to partner agencies, such as APC. 

Access Plus Capital and USGBC Central California partnered to deliver climate-focused technical assistance at the Southern California Edison Energy Education Center in Tulare. This workshop brought together partners and entrepreneurs to build knowledge, explore sustainable business practices, and expand access to climate and clean energy opportunities across Central California.

To learn more or apply for a loan, visit Access Plus Capital’s website here.

This story is part of the Central Valley Community Foundation’s “Sixty Stories That Shaped Us” initiative to help mark 60 years since our founding. We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone and this special place we call home. To learn more, visit centralvalleycf.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @centralvalleycf.