Thanks to Women’s Economic Ventures for sharing Karim’s story!
Santa Barbara Axxess was founded by Karim Kaderali and a friend in Santa Barbara, California in 1999. By creating an upscale local Membership Program that was unique and trackable, they figured out how to bring local businesses the right local customers. Shortly after launch, they received a startup loan from WEV to print the physical books for their members. WEV also provided business consulting and helped them refine their business plan.
Though Santa Barbara Axxess works with business owners big and small, their expertise comes from being in the trenches with the local business owner thus gaining a true understanding of their needs; what works for them and what doesn’t; what’s a good use of marketing dollars and what isn’t.
Today, Axxess is one of the largest and fastest-growing paid consumer memberships in California, with programs in Santa Barbara & Ventura. Giving back to the community is built into the Axxess business model. For every book an organization sells, $10 is donated back to the organization, and since 2004, Axxess has contributed over $1.2 million to local schools and nonprofits. “Who would’ve thought a $15,000 loan from WEV would result in a company with 8 employees that’s helped raise over $750,000 for local schools and non-profits?” said Karim.