Lending organization ACCION encourages self-employment to the unemployed

City of Imperial resident Frank Partida was unemployed 10 years ago. So, he created a small business and gave himself a job. He said at first it was overwhelming.

“I didn’t know about a fictitious business name, opening an account with a bank. Registering with the state of California, getting a seller’s permit,” Partida said.

On Tuesday, at Imperial Valley fairgrounds, a business seminar organized by the non-profit organization ACCION was held for people just like him.

“I wish these type of events were actually here in the Imperial Valley or these sources,” Partida said.

Entrepreneurs and local business experts came together.

“Now we have support. We have people that want to see you succeed,” Partida said.

ACCION official Valery Belloso said starting a business is an option when there’s high unemployment.

“Our entrepreneurs are creating a job for themselves. And when there aren’t enough jobs and it makes it very difficult to identify opportunities, we really encourage people to consider self-employment,” Belloso said.

Local business experts volunteered their time and their experience.

“To teach small business owners about their area of expertise. Each session the presenters are giving the same conversation, the same topic, and participants rotate,” Belloso said.

Partida warned that starting a business is complicated and people should look for help.

“It’s not just going out there and doing your idea and getting it sold, or your product or providing a service. There’s a lot more that comes into it. There’s a lot of things. And it can be overwhelming,” Partida said.

Belloso said ACCION provides free guidance and resources for people like Partida because small businesses are vital to the economy.

“Our goal is to help them get a sustainable business where they can create jobs for others,” Belloso said.