Microenterprise Assistance program

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Livingston and Wyoming Counties have established a Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP) with funding received from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. This program is intended to provide eligible participants with free training and technical assistance, and access to low interest loans. MAP’s overall goal is to support viable small businesses in Livingston and Wyoming Counties.

Pursuant to federal regulations, MAP targets low to moderate income entrepreneurs interested in starting and owning their own business. Prospective entrepreneurs must be at least 18 years of age and maintain a permanent residence in either Livingston or Wyoming County. Owners of existing microenterprises (employing 5 or fewer employees) are also eligible if they wish to expand their business and provide employment opportunities for low to moderate-income individuals.

Those selected for the program are required to attend a business ownership training course. Each participant is expected to develop a written business plan under the direction of a technical advisor.

Since funding for the program is limited, participants will be selected based upon review of HUD designated eligibility criteria, completion of the MAP application, and follow-up interviews.

Selection of Candidates

Each MAP candidate will be evaluated based upon:

v Previous experience

v Business and/or personal financial history and character

v Clearly identified vision of business goals

v Ability to understand and describe the market for their product or service

v Commitment to working hard for business success

v Evaluations will be competitive, based upon all applications received.

Entrepreneurship training

The 12-week evening training program covers all the aspects of operating a small business, including:

v Going into business

v Taxes

v Legal/business law

v Budgeting/financial statements/recordkeeping

v Computer applications

v Employee issues

Individual Technical Assistance and Business Plan Development

Each entrepreneur/microenterprise accepted in to the program can be assigned one or more technical consultants to advise them in areas where they need help. This will not only greatly improve the chances of success, but will result in the development of a formal business plan for each business. The business plan will:

v Outline the vision of the entrepreneur/owner and state the “business concept”

v Identify the market

v Detail the production and employment plan

v Identify financial needs and goals

Microenterprise Loan Fund

Program “graduates” who complete the educational and technical assistance components of the program will be eligible to apply for low-cost flexible term financing, in addition to receiving assistance in accessing capital from other public and private resources.

Post-Business Startup Support

A support program will nurture the developing microenterprises and strengthen them during the startup phase. Consultation and technical assistance can be provided for up to 6 months after startup.

Additional Resources

The program offers an office atmosphere to the participants along with written, video and software materials that are available to develop documents using a variety of software programs. Internet access will be available for market research.

For more information and assistance contact:

Microenterprise Assistance Program
Holcomb Building 202
SUNY Geneseo
Geneseo, NY 14454
www.mapforsuccess.org
(585) 245-5754