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With a declining dollar, a burgeoning subprime crisis, and a shrinking job market, many Californians are worried about their personal fiscal future. In the face of a slowing economy, what can be done to alleviate the economic strain to create jobs and help businesses to expand?

For many Californians, the answer is starting their own business. Microenterprises, small businesses with fewer than five employees, currently comprise 88% of all California businesses. These small shops, restaurants, home based businesses and contractors also create 19% of California’s jobs. Microenterprise development, the process of providing business management training, counseling, business plan development and microloans, helps these businesses open, expand, and prosper.

On Monday, July 21st, Claudia Viek, Chief Executive Officer of the California Association of Microenterprise Opportunity (CAMEO) will discuss the ways in which California can stimulate the growth and success of entrepreneurship by fostering microenterprise development. She will also describe the benefits of microenterprises including: economic self-sufficiency, job creation, community economic development, and poverty alleviation.

The (CAMEO) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded in 1993 to build the capacity of California microenterprise development.

This event is sponsored by the ¹ú²úÊÓƵ Foundation, the Assets Policy Initiative of California, the California Research Bureau, and in association with Assemblymember José Solorio (D-Santa Ana).

Participants

Opening Remarks

• Assemblymember José Solorio (D-Santa Ana)

Featured Speakers

• Claudia Viek
  Chief Executive Officer
  California Association of Microenterprise Opportunity (CAMEO)

• Olivia Calderon
  California Legislative Director, Asset Building Program
  ¹ú²úÊÓƵ Foundation