Washington State Microenterprise Association
2010 Policy Priorities

Priority #1: Reinstate Microenterprise Development Program funding in the state budget.

Microenterprise Development Program:
The Microenterprise Development Program supports a statewide network of small business assistance providers and their capacity to aid entrepreneurs and small enterprises to create businesses and jobs. These organizations provide comprehensive training and technical assistance along with capital to help businesses start and grow.

RCW 43.330.290 Budget: $250,000 in Department of Commerce

Priority #2: Include Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) and Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) in all state economic development coordination and recognition.

Name WSMA and MDOs in all economic development legislation regarding: small business training/technical assistance; small business capital and lending; entrepreneurship; self-employment; and job creation.

Name WSMA and MDOs in all legislation regarding: economic development coordination activities, representation on related boards and commissions, and business assistance award opportunities.

Priority #3: Add Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) and those whose principal work is assisting start up businesses as recipients of the Business Assistance Account funds (RCW 28B.30.531).

MDO’s have assisted small scale businesses and entrepreneurs in Washington for more than 15 years by providing comprehensive business assistance through all phases of business start-up. MDO’s work with individuals and micro-businesses to create and advance their business plans, both before and after licensing. Business assistance activities include structured entrepreneurial training, business counseling and access to capital (microloans), business development, marketing assistance and much more. There are 22 existing MDO’s in Washington.

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