Episode 16 | Accessity and Luna Norte Demonstrate The Powerful Virtuous Cycle Of Start-Up Funding

In this incredible episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy an excellent conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Adrianna O'Donnell, the Director of Philanthropy for San Ysidro Health, Elizabeth Schott, the CEO of Accessity, and the two co-founders of Luna Norte, Jessica Blankley and Rosemary Newell. And what has brought Elizabeth, Jessica, and Rosemary together on this episode? A really special story. Seven years ago, the two budding entrepreneurs needed capital to launch Luna Norte, a jewelry company. And who did they turn to? Accessity, a 30 year old non-profit, Community Financial Development Institution. The result? A thriving company which now sells incredibly beautiful jewelry through multiple distribution channels - direct, retail and department stores. A thriving company we might add creating jobs, generating tax revenues for the community and now a company giving back! Yes, Luna Norte is now giving back. They've come full circle and now donate to Accessity to help keep the virtuous cycle moving along, enabling Accessity to help launch more companies. In fact, they donated to Accessity through San Diego Gives (as well as a handful of other non-profits they love). Talk about the velocity of money, the velocity of caring and the velocity of San Diego Gives. You know what else we heard? Elizabeth shared that San Diego Gives was very successful for Accessity. Not only did it exceed their goals, but one-third of the donors were NEW donors! She also mentioned the support services from San Diego Gives were stellar, which is why they were able to exceed their goals. What an episode! Accessity funds Luna Norte and Luna Norte then funds Accessity through San Diego Gives! Well done to Elizabeth, Jessica and Rosemary! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.