Does micro-enterprise training & support qualify for funds?

Are there new Federal funds for green job training that is not in the energy or labor sectors? We are in low-income (multi-barrier) women’s Micro-enterprise. Is there a section of this bill we can apply under?

I work with Women’s Initiative for Self Employment, we run business training programs that give low income women the skills and resources start or expand their own business.  We are contributing to the sustainability movement hugely, and I’m looking to find out if there is any new federal financing available to us.

What the program is: 20 year old program, thousands of grads, $1 in is $30 out (as women get off welfare, pay taxes, employ others), suffering for funding this year! (like so many). Women's Initiative grads start businesses which are sustainable, like designing clothes from recycled materials, or opening cafes that serve local food.  And, we empower women entrepreneurs to break the cycle of poverty and dependency and achieve economic self-sufficiency, strengthening the whole local economy.  We run a basic business skills class, coupled with microfinancing, emotional support and access to professional circles through networking events and pro bono services.

We are a green pathway out of poverty indeed, but is there new federal funding to support us? Or is the bill targeting more to trades education and to connection programs?

We are also looking for green partners. Any interested parties, please email me! [email protected]

Lily

Lillian Laurence

Women’s Initiative for Self Employment 1398 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA,  94110

Office of Sarah Light 415.641.3480  •  Fax 510.451.3428

[email protected] • www.womensinitiative.org • www.minegocito.org •

While our government leaders struggle to come up with an economic stimulus plan for the country, Women’s Initiative has been offering low-income women in the Bay Area a true economic stimulus package for more than 20 years.  Women who participated in our training between 2003-2007 increased their annual household income on average by more than $14,000/year by 2008. This amounts to a total estimated $30 million in increased household income for these clients and their families last year alone!