NCSLnet: Microenterprise Programs

Economic Development & Trade

Microenterprise Programs

Posted September 24, 2008

Microenterprise programs help the unemployed develop skills and obtain capital to become self-employed. The programs are intended for those with low incomes as well as minority, women and other disadvantaged entrepreneurs who do not have a business track record and cannot secure conventional financing. Microloans specifically refer to the loan amounts extended to the entrepreneurs.

Many state economic development agencies have programs related to microenterprise development and microlending. At the same time, because of the emphasis on advice and counseling -- as well as lending -- for the potential business owner, programs often are administered by nonprofit organizations.

Following are links on microenterprise and entrepreneurship development:

NCSL February 2003 LegisBrief titled "Fighting Poverty with Individual Development Accounts"
NCSL Welfare Reform web page
Corporation for Enterprise Development report on state asset development
Fund for Innovation, Effectiveness, Learning and Dissemination (FIELD) at the Aspen Institute
Kauffman Foundation web site for entrepreneurship with resources on supporting entrepreneurs
Washington University's Center for Social Development has evaluation information on individual development accounts
U.S. Small Business Administration Microloan Program

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