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Microenterprise training offered for region leaders
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Business development is important for every community, but encouraging entrepreneurship can be difficult for low- and moderate-income communities.
The Mississippi Microenterprise Association Network, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity and AmSouth Bank are sponsoring the Microenterprise Development Training Institute March 21-22. The national conference will be held at the Jackson Hilton Hotel.
Beth Duncan, small business development specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said the Association for Enterprise Opportunity is the national industry association of community-based organizations that provide entrepreneurship education, access to capital and support services to low-income entrepreneurs. This specialized training builds skills of professionals engaged in microenterprise development training, lending and management.
"Microenterprise and small business development professionals have a special opportunity to receive expert training on microenterprise development as a viable strategy for encouraging entrepreneurship in low- and moderate-income communities," Duncan said.
A microenterprise is commonly defined as a business with fewer than five employees and with current capital needs of under $35,000. After a decade of operation, microenterprise programs in the United States are creating jobs, generating income, building assets and enhancing skills.
Microenterprise development is a successful tool to alleviate poverty and create jobs. Those encouraged to attend include microenterprise and small business development organizations, community action and development agencies, financial institutions, government officials and other economic development professionals.
Among the workshop highlights are sessions on sustainable tourism, entrepreneurs in rural communities, effective micro-lending, entrepreneurs with disabilities, asset development strategies, fund raising and advocacy strategies.
The Mississippi Microenterprise Association Network, also known as MMEAN, is a statewide association of organizations, agencies and individuals dedicated to furthering microenterprise development. For more information on the training, go to http://www.microenterpriseworks.org/ or contact Patrick McDonough at (601) 346-7550 or mmean@bellsouth.net.
