In a recent Community Outlook Survey by the Dallas Fed's Community Development Office, several nonprofit service providers observed that credit scores were a main factor affecting low-to moderate-income clients' access to credit.

ACCION Texas is the largest microlender in the United States. With an active loan portfolio of $6 million, the nonprofit is reaching small businesses throughout the 262,000 square miles of Texas. In 2001, ACCION introduced the Out-of-Area Network to help connect with small businesses throughout...