The Microenterprise Promise: Creating Opportunities for Low Income Individuals in Eugene, Oregon and Adjacent Rural Communities
| dc.contributor.author | Macias del Villar, Sandra | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2009-02-27T13:51:28Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2009-02-27T13:51:28Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2008-06 | |
| dc.description | Examining committee: Michael Hibbard, chair, Cassandra Moseley | en |
| dc.description.abstract | Microfinance is dedicated to the provision of financial services to low-income individuals including women, minorities, disabled individuals and vocational rehabilitation clients, among others. Since the 1980s, Microenterprise Development Programs (MDP) in the United States have provided a variety of microfinance services to many low-income urban and, primarily, rural individuals across the country to own or sustain their very small business, also called a microenterprise. Oregon is, remarkably, a microenterprise state. Businesses with fewer than five employees are responsible for 18% of the overall employment in the state, and microenterprises have experienced important growth in recent years. Through the use of a focus group and a series of in-depth interviews, this study analyzes the self-reported experiences of 25 former clients of Lane MicroBusiness (LMB), a MDP located in Eugene, Oregon. Findings suggest that, after obtaining services provided by LMB, respondents agree these services helped start, sustain or grow their business. The services provided are a step up the ladder that helps to, potentially, overcome income stability and eventually creates a path to success. Some of the benefits experienced include: increased knowledge, business plan creation, increased profits, as well as higher self-esteem and stability. On the other hand, some of the challenges faced include: lack of time, dissatisfaction with training and grant accessibility. In addition, an overwhelming majority of the participants did experience a â business outcomeâ , created an â income patching effectâ and showed an interest to increase social capital and group interaction while desiring an increase in one-on-one interactions with LMB staff. | en |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/1794/8647 | |
| dc.language.iso | en_US | en |
| dc.publisher | Department of Planning, Public Policy & Management, University of Oregon | en |
| dc.subject | Microfinance -- Oregon | en |
| dc.subject | Microfinance | en |
| dc.subject | Eugene (Or.) | en |
| dc.subject | Lane County (Or.) | en |
| dc.subject | Microenterprise development programs | en |
| dc.subject | Low-income individuals | en |
| dc.title | The Microenterprise Promise: Creating Opportunities for Low Income Individuals in Eugene, Oregon and Adjacent Rural Communities | en |
| dc.type | Other | en |