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FALL 2025 EDITION

Our work is rooted in supporting underrepresented and underserved small businesses. We focus on entrepreneurs who often face systemic barriers to funding and resources, whether due to geography, income, or other longstanding challenges. These business owners are vital to the health and vibrancy of our communities, and we are committed to helping ensure they have a fair shot at success.

The people we serve are at the heart of everything we do. Every loan, every conversation, every piece of guidance reflects more than just a service; it represents opportunity, progress, and the chance to build lasting impact where it’s needed most.



I’m pleased to share examples of how we’ve partnered with entrepreneurs across our region to provide fair lending solutions and the business support that helps small businesses thrive. These stories highlight the real impact of our mission: strengthening communities by investing in the people who power them.



Sincerely, Van



At True Access Capital, we believe access to opportunity can change lives—and this year’s annual celebration is about honoring that mission, making connections, and enjoying festivities.

We’re especially proud to welcome Arlo Washington as our guest speaker. Arlo is a visionary entrepreneur, community banker, and the man behind the Oscar-nominated documentary, The Barber of Little Rock. Through his work with People Trust, he’s proving that financial empowerment and community leadership go hand-in-hand. His story is powerful, his mission is bold, and we’re honored to have him here to inspire us. Let’s celebrate what we’ve built—and what’s still ahead.

Join us on October 15th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Executive Banquet & Conference Center, 205 Executive Drive, Newark.

Don’t miss this unforgettable event featuring:

●     Networking and cocktails

●     Seated dinner

●     Live music – the soulful sounds of The John G. Coley Quartet

●     Celebrate the winners of the 2025 Helping Entrepreneurs Rise

(H.E.R) Business Plan Competition

●     Hear from our outstanding keynote speaker Arlo Washington, founder of People

Trust and subject of the Oscar-nominated documentary, The Barber of Little Rock

For sponsorship inquiries, contact iprice@trueaccesscapital.org.

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The decision to bring on an intern hinges on critical variables: Can we find someone reliable? Will the intern have the skills to contribute to our business? Who has the time to mentor and train the intern? Do we have tasks we would do if our staff were one person stronger?

Jakyrah Al-Amin

Intern, True Access Capital

All those pieces came together last September when True Access Capital (TAC) partnered with Delaware State University and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a national non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

LISC HBCU Internship Program

LISC is partnering nationally with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on an internship program to build a talent pipeline for CDFIs by offering paid professional experience to undergraduate students. Anikka King is senior program officer and HBCU lead for the national program. “Investing in young talent leads to success for both the individuals and the broader community,” said Anikka. She said providing meaningful work experiences andcareer and life coaching helps interns develop soft and technical skills.

Enter Jakyrah Al-Amin, a Delaware State University (DSU) senior majoring in business management who was seeking a summer internship. With the support of DSU and LISC, this summer Jakyrah was matched with True Access Capital. Chris Fullman, TAC New Markets Opportunity Program Director, was impressed by what he saw in Jakyrah’s resume, and could see how her skills would meet an immediate TAC need.

“When we brought her on, my first thought was about her goals. I wanted her to feel fully empowered, not just filling a gap, but leading and innovating. And she did exactly that,” Chris said. From day one, Jakyrah stood out. “She didn’t need a lot of handholding. She was a fast learner who took direction, ran with it, and came back with creative campaign ideas. She was a true self-starter.” 

Her contributions quickly became vital. Working primarily virtually, she developed social media strategies, produced fresh ideas, and supported community events. “She was timely, organized, creative, and passionate,” said Chris. “She brought innovative communication strategies and had a real pulse on emerging tools.”

Jakyrah said she appreciated Chris’ mentoring and the quality of the work and responsibility she was given. “I worked on marketing tasks including social media, blog posts, and email list segmentation,” Jakyrah explained. “I gained valuable skills in content creation and data management, as well as practical experience in digital marketing.”

Her impact was so solid that when her program ended in late May, Chris asked her to stay on through the summer. “She has the talent, drive, and vision to succeed—whether working with us, another organization, or in starting her own business.” Currently in her final semester at DSU, Jakiyra sees a future in marketing analytics, consulting, and market research, and possibly beginning her own marketing agency.

Now in her final semester at DSU, Jakyrah is exploring a future in marketing analytics, consulting, and market research, with the long-term goal of creating her own marketing agency. For Chris, the most rewarding part was watching her confidence grow. “She strengthened areas where we needed capacity, and she left with the kind of skills and self-assurance that will serve her well throughout her career. It was truly a win-win.”

Dover Info Session (Launcher Program)

We know that information is power, and one of True Access Capital’s missions is to bring power to entrepreneurs through providing information, training and coaching. In August, we went on the road, conducting TACTalk information sessions in Dover and Milford, DE, and Philadelphia.

Dover Launcher Helps Minority Entrepreneurs

Launcher is a program that empowers entrepreneurs from low-income and minority communities with the tools, support, and resources to successfully launch a business or grow an existing operation. Janaid Kareem, a pillar in Dover's business community for more than 30 years, is an instructor in the Launcher program who has helped start more than 60 businesses in Kent County and has mentored more than 180 Launcher graduates.

Janaid partnered with us to conduct a TACTalk information session to help would-be or current business owners position themselves to take advantage of the planned Downtown Dover 2030 Project and the millions of dollars that will be available to the community over time.

“I knew traditional lending wasn’t going to work for many of these small business entrepreneurs,” Janaid said. “So we partnered with TAC, who explained all the various loan programs and training they offer.”

Ongoing Outreach Downstate Continues as a Top Commitment

“True Access is committed to reaching into rural and hard-to-reach markets and offering lending information and practical insights so that all people have access to lending information and can have equal access into the world of business ownership and generational wealth,” said Luz Sellers, TAC Senior Vice President and Director of Business Advisory Services.

Philadelphia Info Session (Dominican Grocers Association)

TAC and CDC Combine Resources in Milford

Elevated Community Development Corporation (ECDC) is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals and families to build stability and long-term success.

“We partnered with True Access Capital on an information session because of our shared commitment to economic empowerment and community revitalization,” said Lillian Harrison, ECDC Founder and President. “We wanted to provide practical knowledge about accessing capital and resources through True Access Capital and introduce attendees to Elevated CDC’s wrap-around services that can help remove barriers to success.” The session covered funding opportunities, available resources, strategies for business growth, and connecting with local support networks.

“Partnerships like this are what create real change. By bringing together financial resources and community development expertise, we can open doors for people who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities,” Lillian explained. “Elevated CDC and True Access Capital recognize the need for greater access to training and resources in Sussex and Kent Counties. Plans are underway to schedule additional sessions (possibly virtually) that will reach even more entrepreneurs and community members in the months ahead,” Lillian Harrison said.

Philadelphia Info Session (Dominican Grocers Association)

Philadelphia: Dominican Grocers Association

Reaching out to the north, we visited the Dominican Grocers Association (DGA) in Philadelphia, a 2,000-member association dedicated to fostering business growth and community charity in the grocery segment. We were delighted to present information on our loan programs and technical assistance in Spanish to some 60 engaged participants.

Nearly 60 entrepreneurs entered submissions to the 2025 H.E.R. Business Plan Competition, doubling the number from last year. Winners will be announced at our Annual Celebration on October 15. We will be awarding $25,000 in prize money. Get your tickets today and support women entrepreneurs!

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Delaware EARNS

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Where: Online

When: Thursday, September 18, 2025 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Delaware EARNS is the state's new retirement savings program designed to expand access for workers who don't have an employer-sponsored plan. Join us for an information session to learn about employer requirements, deadlines, and how this program can help your employees save for the future, at no cost to your business.

Speaker: Ted Griffith, Delaware EARNS Program Director

Being Legal in Business

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Where: Online

When: Thursday, September 25, 2025 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM



You should attend this session if you are unsure of your legal structure or business name registration. In this session you will learn the pros and cons of various business legal structures. This session will provide an open Q&A to ensure you leave with a clear sense of proper legal functions in your business. This workshop is open to Entrepreneurs seeking legal advice related to structuring your business. Don't miss out on this opportunity--it's the foundation of business success!!

Speaker: Magi Fisher, The Artists' Lawyer

The Zoom link will be sent out the day before and the day of the training. Please check your spam folder if it does not com to your inbox.

Knowing the Value of Your Business

Tuesday, September 30, 2025 

Where: Online

When: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

This session will focus on how business valuation connects to long-term planning, including succession, retirement, and estate considerations. Attendees will gain insights and learn how to assess and position their business for value growth.