Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Legislature Should Consider Lessons Learned If It Wishes to Create a New Microenterprise Development Program

Report 06-77, December 2006

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Report Summary

Microenterprise development programs typically provide loans, technical assistance, and business skills training to very small businesses. Florida has previously operated two microenterprise development programs, one administered by Enterprise Florida, Inc., and the second administered by the Department of Community Affairs' Office of Urban Opportunity. However, neither of these programs is currently in operation.

If the Legislature wishes to establish a new state-supported microenterprise development program, it should consider lessons learned from Florida's and other states' prior experiences. It would be important to

  • establish clear program goals and ensure that the program's design matches its mission;
  • clearly specify how state funds, interest earnings, and loan repayments could be used by microloan providers; and
  • establish performance measures and objectives, and performance reporting requirements.

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Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
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