When it comes to small business, few nonprofit organizations are as dedicated or have as much expertise as Accion Chicago. Byline loves small business, and we have developed a strong and lasting partnership with Accion.
Accion Chicago helps communities grow by investing in entrepreneurs who build businesses and generate jobs in their neighborhoods. This organization provides customized capital solutions and one-on-one coaching to aspiring entrepreneurs in Illinois and Northwest Indiana. – Accion Chicago
Byline’s proud of our ongoing relationship with Accion Chicago, and we get involved in many different ways. We refer business when we’ve determined that they can better serve their credit needs of small business owners in our communities. We’ve invested in the form of Community Development Grants and Equity Equivalent (EQ2) investments. Our employees volunteer at Accion events and workshops, or serve on their committees, helping provide professional guidance to the organization. Together we have worked hand-in-hand to meet the many needs of small businesses in Chicago.
Since 2015, Byline has sponsored Accion’s annual Taquiza event in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. For the past two years, the event has been held in the parking lot of our Pilsen branch at 18th and Halsted. Taquiza is a celebration of entrepreneurship in Pilsen with Latino small business owners and the community partners and leaders that support them. In 2016, more than 200 community members attended and enjoyed live music, tacos provided by Accion clients, shopped from local small businesses, and networked with area community organizations.
“Taquiza is an opportunity to bring together our Latino clients and partners, celebrating the community revitalization work they accomplish together each day. We believe that a community is strongest when they have a village of resources made available to them, and Taquiza is the embodiment of that. Our partnership with Byline Bank is another clear example of that principle; they are embedded in the Pilsen community and committed to small business, making them a strong partner not only for Taquiza, but for Pilsen.” – Haley Marceau Taylor, Director of Development and Communications for Accion Chicago
See more of our community relationships that we’re Inspired BY.
