Exploring Microenterprise Programs: Self-Employment in Disadvantaged Communities

Poverty continues to plague America's urban communities. Many proposals have sought to address the issues related to poverty. Microenterprise programs are one such approach. Microenterprise programs design training programs that educate urban poor on how to establish and operate small businesses and structure microcredit activities that provide minimal loans to prospective or small business owners. By focusing on particular sites, such as ACCION Chicago, this article analyzes two aspects of microenterprise programs to argue that if such programs are to benefit those truly in need, they must simultaneously provide training and microcredit activities to the urban poor.