Microenterprise Development: Creating Home-Based Businesses for Your Center and Residents—Tuesday, April 13 at 3 p.m. (EDT)

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For most people, having a job and earning an income is a necessary part of life. So, if you have to work, why not turn a passion into an income? Why not turn a hobby that you do for free, into an activity for which you can charge a fee? Why not be your own boss and launch your own microenterprise?

The resources and partnerships offered at Neighborhood Networks centers can provide residents with a low-risk opportunity to explore the possibility of creating a microenterprise. However, microenterprises are not only a viable career option for residents. Microenterprises can also help Neighborhood Networks stakeholders turn their technology center into a revenue center.

On April 13 at 3 p.m. (EDT), Neighborhood Networks hosted a Webinar with subject-matter experts who shared their knowledge and experience to help residents and centers develop microenterprises. Presenters included:

	Dave Parker, founder of CauseImpact, who will describe how center staff and residents can establish successful microenterprises by using their skills and resources to pursue innovative entrepreneurial opportunities.
	Andrea Giles, financial analyst for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Financial Assistance, Microenterprise Development Branch, who will provide information on the SBA's free online resources that can assist centers and residents with starting their own small businesses.
	Megan Sturges, human services manager for Phoenix Family Housing Corporation, who will share the inspiring story of how youth at the Friendship Village Neighborhood Networks Center in Kansas City, Missouri, turned a community garden project into a microenterprise.

During the Webinar, the presenters:

	Discussed the benefits of a microenterprise and explain how to determine if a Neighborhood Networks center can support a microenterprise program.
	Shared innovative ideas for resident-operated or center-based microenterprises and discuss the importance of picking the "right" business.
	Demonstrated the free microenterprise development resources available from the SBA via a live online tutorial.
	Discussed the importance of partners and an "impact team" comprised of business mentors and coaches.
	Discussed microenterprise funding options, including microloans and other funding streams.

The presentation referenced during the webinar, as well as additional information can be found in the "Related Information" box above. An archived version of the webinar will be available soon.

For more information, contact the Neighborhood Networks Information Center, toll-free, at 888-312-2743. The hearing impaired may access Neighborhood Networks via TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service, toll-free, at 800-877-8339. Additional questions or ideas may be posted on the Neighborhood Networks discussion board.