Ideal Candidate

• Lives and planning to start a business in Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties
• Ready to launch a business within 0-3 months of completing the AAES –OR- Currently engaging in business activities and looking to formalize their business to take it to the next level
• Has a viable business idea (no nonprofits or businesses outside of Accessity’s lending criteria – for example, MLMs, real estate investing, marijuana-related businesses, etc.) 
• Ideally, has experience in the industry
• Able to commit to the schedule of classes

Schedule – Fall 2025

See the class schedule here.

Format

The program is broken down as follows:

• 7 class sessions to be held once a week virtually on Thursdays from 5:30pm to 8pm
• Two 1-hour one-on-one business counseling sessions
• In-person Business Presentation
• 1 graduation! (8-weeks total)

Expectations

• In order to graduate and receive a Certificate of Completion from this training program, attendance is required at all sessions, including one-on-one counseling appointments. Refer to the course schedule for dates and times. If you cannot commit to attending all sessions on the schedule, we recommend that you apply for the next scheduled training program.
• You must complete all in-class activities and homework assignments.
• Bring your workbook to each class session.
• Be respectful of your classmates’ questions and ideas. This course is an opportunity to share ideas, ask for feedback on your business project and learn from each other’s experiences.
• Participate in the group activities and demonstrate your commitment to starting your business.
• Be on time! Tardiness is distracting to the class and will not be accepted.

Fee

There is a $20 commitment fee due on the second week of the program. This fee is refundable upon successful completion of the program or can be put toward loan closing costs if pursuing an Accessity loan. If the program is not completed, the fee is non-refundable.