Allowing Enterprise: Federal Microenterprise Policy Project

About this grant

This grant will enable the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) to continue to support the Allowing Enterprise: Federal Microenterprise Policy Project, which provides funding and technical assistance to state micro-enterprise organizations and assists in the development of federal micro-enterprise policy. Through the project, CFED has assisted with the creation of state micro-enterprise associations in more than 30 states. Funding will enable CFED to award up to eight grants to established state micro-enterprise organizations; design and complete three to five Statewide Micro-enterprise Blueprints; convene and facilitate three to five policy academies around selected topics; organize and convene an annual meeting for statewide micro-enterprise organizations; maintain a Web site to deliver current information and resources on state micro-enterprise systems; and provide training, technical assistance and consulting to statewide micro-enterprise systems.Recent accomplishments included awarding eight grants; convening an annual conference; providing support to emerging organizations in Arizona, Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi; publishing the ongoing Effective State Policy and Practice bulletin series; and exploring ways to improve services to businesses operating in the informal economy, such as a state tax credit program for low-income entrepreneurs.