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2008 Microenterprise Boost Program Applications Available Now!
The Abilities Fund is pleased to announce applications for the 2008 Women and Company® Microenterprise Boost Program are now available. Started in 2005, the program is funded by the Citigroup Foundation and provides low and moderate-income women microentrepreneurs the opportunity to achieve greater business success by providing cash awards to expand their businesses.
Five awards of $2000 will be granted to women business owners with disabilities to grow their businesses. The awards may be used for essential business development activities such as marketing, technology purchases, website development, inventory, or professional services. Recipients will also receive technical training, business development guidance and assistance from The Abilities Fund.
Five business owners received funding in 2007. To read more about last year's awardees, click here.
Applications for this year's program are due by April 25, 2008. For more information, contact Elizabeth Lind at elizabeth@abilitiesfund.org or 202.885.9438.
Now Available!
Microloan Guarantees
Loan guarantees are now available for qualified entrepreneurs with disabilities in 45 states. If an applicant is already working with a local microlender or a bank and are having difficulty getting a loan for business start up or expansion due to lack of collateral or credit experience, The Abilities Fund will guarantee the loan for approved applicants. If an individual does not have a funding relationship but is seeking startup or expansion capital for their business, The Abilities Fund will refer the application to a national lending partner and guarantee the loan. A comprehensive business plan is required for all applicants and must include:
- Executive Summary
- Form of Organization (Sole Proprietorship, LLC, Corporation, etc)
- Market Plan
- Financial Plan
For more information about required content, please contact Claudia at claudiahollatz@abilitiesfund.org or toll free at 1.888.222.8943 extention 225.
In support of new microlending services, The Abilities Fund will be expanding its online presence to include training and technical assistance. Soon, people with disabilities nationwide will have 24-hour access to features such as Feasibility First ©, business plan development, and financial planning for business startup -- all of which are resources designed to prepare entrepreneurs with disabilities for self-employment.
To stay updated on these upcoming services, periodically check our website for additional information.
Financial Literacy Tool
Now Available!
The first of a series of online tools (described above) has been posted. You can now access courses to build your financial literacy via The Abilities Fund website.
Click here to learn more about the online courses!
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Upcoming Events
05/01/2008
Microloan Guarantees Now Available! Submit your business plan to begin the review process - claudiahollatz@abilitiesfund.org or toll free 1.888.222.8943 ext 225
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05/05/2008
May 5 - 7, 2008: AFP/Telework Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, UT
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05/11/2008
AmeriCorps Week: May 11 - 18, 2008. The Abilities Fund celebrates AmeriCorps Vista Volunteers as an important part of our organization.
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05/20/2008
May 20-23, 2008: Association for Enterprise Opportunity Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA
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05/21/2008
Philanthropy Roundtable - Helping People Help Themselves, Atlanta, GA
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06/25/2008
June 25-25, 2008: Telework Forum, Arlington, VA
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07/09/2008
Webcast: Microloans and Small Business Loans. For more info and to register, visit http://www.start-up-usa.biz/training/webcasts.cfm
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