Unlocking Entrepreneurial Opportunities with the Association for Enterprise Opportunity
For nearly three decades, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) has been working to unlock entrepreneurial opportunities and enable greater economic growth. AEO is a coalition of over 1,700 members and partners that provide capital and services to assist underserved entrepreneurs in starting, stabilizing, and expanding their businesses. With this approach, AEO is helping entrepreneurs create jobs and opportunities for all.
What Is The Association for Enterprise Opportunity?
The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1991 to promote economic opportunity through microenterprise development. AEO advocates for policy changes that support microenterprise development and provides financial products and services to people who have traditionally lacked access to capital. AEO also works with policymakers at all levels of government to ensure that underserved entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to start or grow their businesses.
How Does AEO Support Underserved Entrepreneurs?
The Association for Enterprise Opportunity strives to make sure underserved entrepreneurs have access to the same resources as their more affluent counterparts. To achieve this goal, AEO offers a wide range of services designed specifically for underserved entrepreneurs. These include microloans of up to $50,000; technical assistance; business education programs; networking events; mentorship programs; business plan competitions; startup accelerators; marketing support; and access to a network of investors.
What Are The Benefits Of Supporting Underserved Entrepreneurs?
When we invest in underserved entrepreneurs, everyone benefits. Not only do these individuals gain access to the resources they need to launch successful businesses, but they also help create new jobs—which leads to increased economic growth in their communities. Investing in underserved entrepreneurs can also lead to increased innovation—as these individuals often bring fresh ideas and perspectives into the marketplace—and foster social change via job creation, wealth building, and community empowerment.
By supporting underserved entrepreneurs through initiatives like those offered by the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), we can help unlock economic opportunities while creating jobs and promoting greater economic growth in our communities. By investing in those who are often overlooked by traditional lenders, we can help create more equitable economies where everyone has an equal chance at success—regardless of race, gender identity, or socio-economic background. It's time we start investing in entrepreneurship so that all individuals can reach their full potential!
Contact Information
Connie Evans
President & CEO
1310 L Street NW Suite 830
Washington, DC 20005
www.aeoworks.org
cevans@aeoworks.org