Micro-enterprise Effectiveness Campaign

About this grant

Recently, micro-enterprise advocates have been successful in educating public policymakers about the benefits of micro-enterprise. As a result, more than $450 million was appropriated to micro-enterprise by the federal government during the past eight years. However, there has been a decrease in funding to core programs that support the micro-enterprise field. While access to credit is essential to micro-entrepreneurs, there is also a vital need for entrepreneurial training and technical assistance, especially for low-income individuals who require high levels of support.Funding will support a campaign to disseminate entrepreneurial success stories and demonstrate the impact that federal funding has on the smallest U.S. businesses. The campaign will involve three phases: research, development and printing, and outreach. Approximately 50 case studies will be highlighted, emphasizing the diversity of micro-enterprises and their service needs; 25-30 stories will be selected for final publication.The Association for Enterprise Opportunity, founded in 1991, is the only national association for organizations committed to micro-enterprise development. It provides its members with a forum to promote enterprise opportunity for people and communities with limited access to economic resources.