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Articles by Elizabeth Winters
Digital banking reaches rural entrepreneurs in Colombia
Thirty-one-year-old Angela Cristina Aroca and her two brothers took over their family’s restaurant two years ago after their mother passed away. The business was successful before, but its growth now carries a deeper meaning. “I feel incredibly proud of my mother,” says Angela. “She left behind this beautiful legacy: Children who are driven and forward-looking. Children who have been working to make her dream a reality.” Running the restaurant has been a challenge, but a labor of love.
BancoSol’s altoke brings savings and opportunity to Bolivia
At the Carnival of Oruro in western Bolivia, tradition reigns. Dancers and musicians perform routines with origins that go back centuries, with visitors traveling from across the country to join the annual religious and cultural festival recognized by UNESCO. Throughout the festival, microentrepreneurs line the streets, selling food and drink to celebrants. At many of these stalls, a hint of modernity appeared: QR codes and an orange sign inviting a new form of payment.
Modernizing the financial plumbing of India’s supply chains
In this episode, Rahil is joined by Cashinvoice co-founder Shrinivas Kasar, whose company connects large corporate buyers, their suppliers, and lenders to finance unpaid invoices and free up working capital. India’s small businesses face a credit gap estimated at ₹25 trillion, much of it tied up in invoices that take weeks or months to pay out.
Building the data foundation for financial inclusion in Mexico
In this episode, Rahil sits down with Nico Yepes, co-founder and COO of Moffin, a data platform that helps lenders across Latin America access and unify fragmented data to make faster credit decisions. Across the region, fintechs and banks alike keep rebuilding the same systems to pull data and underwrite loans, which slows lending and limits who can get credit.
Five takeaways on fintech growth across Mexico
Last year, Accion Ventures co-hosted the LatAm Fintech Forum alongside Quona and Flourish Ventures during Mexico Tech Week. The event brought together investors, operators, and ecosystem leaders to discuss macro trends shaping the region’s fintech ecosystem, including regulatory evolution, stablecoins and cross-border payments, and financial infrastructure.
“I stood on my own two feet”: Raheni’s story
For more than twenty-five years, Ibu Raheni has prepared and sold jenang, traditional Indonesian porridge, to earn a living and support her daughters. Each morning, she carefully prepares and serves five varieties of traditional porridge and desserts using family recipes — a livelihood inspired by her mother, who once sold rice and vegetables. Raheni spent over two decades building her business in Surakarta (Solo), Indonesia, while raising her children as a single mother.
Embedding credit to enhance retail processes for small businesses in Kazakhstan
This article was written by Accion and Beksar and originally published here. In partnership with Mastercard Strive, this program provides micro and small enterprises in Kazakhstan with enhanced retail tech business operations. Lyazzat Dobrasheva has operated a small women’s clothing store in Kazakhstan for several years. She’s using a retail tech solution from Beksar, a Mastercard Strive partner, to manage her operations.
Fintech predictions from Accion Ventures
As 2026 unfolds, a few themes are becoming increasingly clear across global fintech markets. AI is moving from experimentation into production environments. Infrastructure is reshaping how capital reaches historically underserved customers. And in many regions, the next phase of financial innovation will be defined less by new products and more by how intelligently existing systems are connected, governed, and scaled.
Inclusive hiring changes lives in India
Avik Roy is at the front of the room, ready to begin a presentation. The 31-year-old is responsible for training existing and newly hired visually impaired employees at Vindhya E-Infomedia Pvt Ltd. After losing his sight due to a degenerative eye condition, Avik developed a keen ability to explain systems and user experiences to both sighted and visually impaired people.
Jhon brings his community online in rural Colombia
Located in the mountains of southwestern Colombia, the Gran Cumbal Indigenous Reserve in Cumbal, Nariño, is home to the Pastos Indigenous people. Jhon Jairo Irua Quenguan, a 34-year-old entrepreneur, is a proud member of the community. Born with an entrepreneurial spirit, he eventually built a convenience store next to his home.
"You are just like everyone": Indhu achieves independence and stability
Community can be life-changing. A sense of belonging, support, and connection helps us weather hard times, improves our self-esteem, and combats loneliness. This is doubly true for people living with disabilities, who may struggle to access education and employment and subsequently become socially isolated and dependent on family for care. With the right opportunities, they can build a rich social life, live independently, and realize the benefits of a community. Meet Indhu Nagarajan.
Launching a new digital solution for small businesses in Uzbekistan
This article is written by Accion and MayaSoft and originally published by Mastercard Strive. In partnership with Mastercard Strive, this program provides micro and small enterprises in Uzbekistan with an enhanced solution for card acquiring called MARTA. Olesya Stefanko runs a handmade soap shop in one of Tashkent’s busy indoor markets. For several years, she accepted card payments from customers on two traditional point-of-sale (POS) terminals provided by her bank.
Small loans power big dreams for women entrepreneurs
Festival season is approaching in Mysuru, Karnataka, in southern India. During the Dasara festival, the Mysore Palace is illuminated, and fireworks light the night sky. Later in the season, communities across India and the world will celebrate Diwali, dressing to light candles and eat heartily together. In the weeks leading up to these holidays, locals will be shopping for special attire to wear while they celebrate. Sneha GN, a 28-year-old entrepreneur, is ready to serve them.
Putting Americans on the path to homeownership
When Kathleen, a mother of three living in Queens, New York, thinks about her future home, she pictures a space where she and her children can feel safe and happy. “I have three small children and, to me, having a home offers that sense of security,” she says. “We’re always baking or cooking together, watching movies together — quality family time. I would want to have space that I could really flourish with me and my kids,” she says.
Healthcare access in a refugee community, powered by inclusive financial services
Everyone is welcome at Siloam Medical Center in Kampala, Uganda. Brightly painted murals inside and out depict doctors with patients, parents with children, and technicians at work, welcoming patients for medical consultations, lab work, labor and maternal care, and emergency care. Ninety percent of Siloam’s patients are refugees, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) — as is Dr. Moïse Kibukila, who operates the clinic.
Refugee women get a new start in Uganda
In the Kawaala neighborhood of Kampala, Fatuma Kongolo tidies and restyles wigs on display in her salon. The 23-year-old entrepreneur runs FF Quality Salon, where she braids hair and makes and sells wigs and beaded bags. Her business provides a stable foundation after a disruptive and dangerous early life. Seven years ago, Fatuma fled war in her home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, becoming one of millions of refugees seeking safety in Uganda.
Women farmers grow sustainably with green asset finance
Smallholder farmers, particularly women, are less likely to have access to affordable financial services. Tailored financial solutions enable farmers to invest in productive assets, like water tanks and biodigesters, that enhance their climate resilience, productivity, and livelihoods. Accion Advisory worked with local partners to explore innovative green asset financing models for smallholder dairy farmers, especially women, in India and Kenya. Read the full report here.
Inclusive fintech founders stories: Vaibhav Tambe, co-founder & CEO, TransBnk
“We are trying to democratize this entire space of transaction banking,” says Vaibhav Tambe, co-founder & CEO of TransBnk. TransBnk is a transaction banking platform that enables financial institutions to digitize their business operations, aiming to help financial institutions better serve their MSME customers by gaining digital access to critical data needed for loan underwriting, monitoring, and more. Read more about why Accion Venture Lab invested in TransBnk.
Inclusive fintech founder stories: Luz Borchardt on unlocking job opportunities for women and youth
Luz Borchardt co-founded Henry with the mission to help Latin American youth secure higher-paying jobs in the tech industry. With the support of Accion Venture Lab, Henry has empowered thousands of young women to seize new job opportunities. “I hope more women can see the power of building with purpose, and that their work can create a real impact,” says Luz. See more about how Henry is advancing opportunities for women and youth in tech.
Sarah builds a family legacy
Like many small business owners, entrepreneurship runs in Sarah’s family. As a young woman, she worked for her aunt in Kampala, Uganda. “I learned the business of selling shoes from her. When the time came, I left her to start my own business,” Sarah remembers. To launch and grow her business, Sarah received support from Accion partner UGAFODE Microfinance Limited. Women, particularly in emerging markets, face significant barriers that prevent them from accessing economic opportunities.
Small business loans supercharge women-led businesses in Uganda
Oxfords, sneakers, and ankle boots line the walls and tables in Sarah Nazziwa’s shoe stall in a busy market in Kampala. Sandals fill one table, and canvas slip-ons cover another. Every available inch showcases inventory, and customers crowd around to see what she has in stock. The 35-year-old entrepreneur has been in the industry for 15 years, first learning to run a retail business from her aunt and later striking out on her own.
Inclusive fintech leader stories: Landy Liu, founder of Foyer
“We help first-time homebuyers plan, save, and transact for their first homes at a time when homeownership in the US is incredibly difficult,” says Landy Liu, founder of Foyer, a digital platform offering financial tools and knowledge for homebuyers in the United States. Read more about why Accion Venture Lab invested in Foyer.
Bolivian entrepreneurs get ahead with inclusive financial services
Sulema Quispe Coca wakes at 5 a.m. She has cheese to make. The dairy farmer and cheesemaker has been building her business for nearly two decades. She starts her day with her cows, bringing them into a shed to be milked. Sulema calls each by name — Lola, her favorite and the most affectionate; Luna, born on a Monday; Mayra, the “mean” one. “We always give names to the cows, so they listen when we call their name,” she says.
Refugee women rebuild and strengthen their livelihoods in Uganda
“I came here to Uganda because in our country, there was a war. We decided to come to Uganda to get a better life.” Women like Kongolo Fatuma, a refugee from the DRC, are rebuilding their lives by opening and growing small businesses in their new communities. With inclusive digital tools, financial resources, and supportive training, refugee women can rebuild and strengthen their livelihoods. Learn more. Support our work Will you join us?
"The dream doesn’t end here": Elmer's small business grows in Bolivia
Elmer Espinoza, owner of a clothing production company in La Paz, Bolivia, knows firsthand how difficult entrepreneurship can be. “In my experience as a business, I’ve had many ups and downs.” Over 17 years, he’s grown his small business into a shop with 18 employees, with support from Accion’s partner BancoSol. “Thanks to the institution that trusted in me, I had the ability to get through those ups and downs.” Support our work Will you join us?
Tech fuels growth for these food truck owners
Noy and Tin Tran have moved many times throughout their lives since immigrating to the United States – Noy from Thailand and Tin from Vietnam. “We have moved around a lot because we are a military family,” says Tin, an active-duty Commander in the U.S. Navy. So, when he and his family decided to open their own business, it made sense to choose a mobile business.
The road ahead for women’s economic empowerment
Despite progress toward gender equality in recent years, women remain disproportionately impacted by poverty, economic instability, and discrimination. Accion Advisory‘s Liza Guzmán, Vice President of Customer Strategy and Gender Lead, shares her thoughts on accelerating women’s economic empowerment through financial inclusion. The main barriers holding women back are invisible — the prevalent social norms that influence the way we interact with each other.
Roselin's path to economic stability in Bolivia
With limited access to capital and formal financial services in Bolivia, success for a small-scale business can be hard to come by. But with thoughtfully designed tools she could access on her phone, Roselin got the resources she needed from Accion partner BancoSol. As her flour and sugar distribution business continues to expand, Roselin can support her family and has hired employees from her community. “This work has given us economic stability, employment for our family and even for our in-laws.
Women leaders champion economic empowerment
The United Nations theme for International Women’s Day this year is “Invest in women: Accelerate progress,” in recognition of the need to build solutions that empower women as global challenges like rising poverty, conflict, and climate change put pressure on underserved communities.
UK Shares Climb on Better-Than-Expected GDP Figures Original
The ONS explained that growth in services was the main contributor to the monthly growth in GDP. Services output rose 0.4% in November, after a 0.1% contraction in October. Within services, the largest contributor was information & communication, which grew 1.5% after falling 0.9%. Production output grew 0.3%, after falling 1.3%. Construction output fell 0.2%, after falling 0.4%. Separately, the ONS also reported trade data for November.
UK economy expands by 0.3% in November led by services
(Alliance News) The UK economy grew by slightly more than expected in November last year, according to the Office for National Statistics on Friday. The ONS said the UK gross domestic product grew 0.3% on a monthly basis in November, having contracted by 0.3% in October. The market had been expecting 0.2% growth, according to FXStreet-cited consensus. The ONS explained that growth in services was the main contributor to the monthly growth in GDP.
FTSE 100 to head higher after US tech rally
(Alliance News) - Stocks in London are set to see a strong start on Tuesday, following a tech-led rally on Wall Street, which spurred strong trading across global equity markets. IG says futures indicate the FTSE 100 to open up 28.6 points, 0.4%, at 7,722.79 on Tuesday. The index of London large-caps closed up 4.58 points, 0.1%, at 7,694.19 on Monday. In the US on Monday, Wall Street ended higher, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average 0.6%, the S&P 500 2.4% and the Nasdaq Composite up 2.2%.
Manjulata and Charan pair traditional art with new business practices
Manjulata and Charan’s home is filled with color. Brightly painted masks and figurines of gods and animals line the floors. Clay molds, unpainted works in progress, and paint supplies await their attention. The married couple are sculptors, and their traditional art form is their family business as well. They shape each piece from paper-mâché in a mold before drying, polishing, and meticulously painting it with vibrant shades of yellow, red, green, purple, black, and white.
Keeping medicine on shelves with embedded finance
“In Kenya, it’s easier to go to the chemist than go to the hospital.” Faith is a pharmacist, known locally as a chemist, running a small pharmacy in Nairobi. Her business is open Monday through Saturday, and unless she’s out of town, she’s there from opening to closing. She sees countless neighbors in her work — fellow Kenyans, as well as immigrants from Somalia, Sudan, and other neighboring countries who live in her neighborhood.
The future of work: Fintech’s role in the evolving employment landscape
The nature and relationship of workers with their employers is constantly evolving. While clear trends, such as gig work and the digitization of the workplace, have emerged in recent decades, the COVID-19 pandemic expedited the broader impact and implications of these changes. At Accion Venture Lab, we believe that there will be a need for product and delivery-related innovations to meet the financial needs of workers operating in this new paradigm.
Serah safeguards her neighbors’ health in Kenya - Accion
Semular Pharmacy opens in the afternoon when customers start returning home from work or picking up children from school. That’s when they’re most likely to pick up a prescription, over-the-counter medication, meal formulas, or a water bottle to stay hydrated in the Nairobi heat. Among the orderly, well-stocked shelves, they’ll find Serah, a pharmacist and the owner of Semular Pharmacy. Serah has over a decade of experience in healthcare, having worked in a hospital before becoming a pharmacist.
Patterson et al v. VETERANS GUARDIAN VA CLAIM CONSULTING, LLC et al
Plaintiff: ABIGAYLE PATTERSON and BRIAN OTTERS Defendant: VETERANS GUARDIAN VA CLAIM CONSULTING, LLC, WILLIAM COOPER TAYLOR, JR., SCOTT CHAIM GREENBLATT and VETERANS GUARDIAN VA CLAIM CONSULTING PAC Case Number: 1:2023cv00762 Filed: September 8, 2023 Court: US District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina Nature of Suit: Contract: Other Cause of Action: 28 U.S.C. ยง 1332 Diversity Jury Demanded By: Defendant RSS Track this Docket This docket was last retrieved on September 8, 2023.
How ‘WandaVision’ Became More Than Just a Show
"WandaVision," a miniseries recently released on Disney+, is the newest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The release of "WandaVision" and its highly anticipated finale has entertained Marvel fans and newcomers alike. (Illustration by Chandler Littleford) Spoiler alert: this article mentions important scenes from the show. My roommate and I were among the millions of Marvel enthusiasts who caused Disney+ to crash in anticipation of the “WandaVision” series finale.
North Carolina Pauses Certain Evictions Utility Shut-Offs and Late Fees | JD Supra
On May 30, 2020, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 142 extending prohibitions preventing landlords from evicting residential tenants, evicting commercial tenants for payment defaults caused by the pandemic, pausing rent payment obligations, and waiving certain late fees and penalties in certain circumstances. The Executive Order currently applies through the “Effective Period,” between May 30, 2020, through June 20, 2020, but may be extended by subsequent order.
5 Key Takeaways - Strategies for Protecting Trade Secrets | JD Supra
Updated: May 25, 2018: JD Supra is a legal publishing service that connects experts and their content with broader audiences of professionals, journalists and associations.
6 Key Takeaways - North Carolina Business Court: Overview and Analysis of the 2018-2019 Term | JD Supra
Updated: May 25, 2018: JD Supra is a legal publishing service that connects experts and their content with broader audiences of professionals, journalists and associations.
13 Do's and Don’ts of Dorm Room Shopping
Shopping for dorm room doodads has potential to get you stoked for the move out but it also involves a headache-inducing number of decisions. If you find yourself standing in the aisles of Target’s college essentials scratching your head, wondering if it’s really necessary to get the fluffy towel/bulletin board/floor rug combo (all in color-coded harmony), stop now and read this.
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