High unemployment and a tough economy win the top
story for 2009 hands down. Will economic
recovery come? When? Washington's unemployment
rate hit an all-time high at 9.3% this November. That's an estimated 321,000 employees out of
work and starting the new year with little optimism. But there is hope.
Our small ventures, our micro-entrepreneurs,
will play a vital role in our economic recovery. Did you know that nationally microenterprises
create 900,000 jobs per year on average? If every one of
the more than 480,000 microenterprises in Washington created one new job, our
unemployment crisis would be solved!
WSMA and its many members and supporters are working
on strategies to uplift and ensure the health and growth of our micro-business
sector. Support local small businesses this
holiday season and each day throughout the new year.
Happy Holidays and may you have a healthy and
prosperous New Year!
Teresa Lemmons, Executive Director
Washington State Microenterprise Association
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WSMA December Events
MicroMentor Webinar*
Wednesday, December 9th
10:30 a.m. − 11:35 a.m.
MicroMentor
will introduce their program and how entrepreneurs and organizations
can get involved. There will be time at the end of the presentation to
ask questions. WSMA Grant Application Workshop (teleconference)*
Thursday, December 10th
1:00 p.m. − 2:00 p.m.
Learn
how to increase your competitiveness for WSMA grants. We will review
the RFP, help you understand the scoring process and answer any
questions. Coming soon...Credit is an Asset Workshop presented by Credit Builders Alliance
Participants will better
understand today's credit economy and changing credit reporting system, learn about Credit Builders toolkit and more.
Sample of topics to be covered: understanding scores (FICO, Vantage, Expansion
scores, Small Business scores); alternative credit now and into the future; effectiveness of pairing education with small dollar
loan; and valuing
credit as a financial asset.
If you are interested in participating in any of these events, contact WSMA by phone 253.661.0930 or by email info@wamicrobiz.org.
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Support Local Business Owners when
Holiday Shopping
WSMA encourages Washington residents to support local
Micro and Small
Business owners this holiday season.
Whenever possible, spend your
holiday shopping dollars with our local business owners and entrepreneurs. Let them know you
value their contribution to our communities and local economy.
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Small Business Owners Vote on Top Policy Concerns
Small business owners, legislators, and policymakers from all over
Washington gathered in SeaTac to discuss the state's business climate
at Washington Policy Center's 2009 Small Business Conference. During
several interactive issue breakout sessions, business owners suggested
and discussed solutions to improve the climate for small businesses in
Washington.
The result is a list of priority solutions, selected by small
business owners, for solving the major problems with the state's
business climate. Click here to see the list of top recommendation from each breakout session.
"We will take these recommendations to policymakers, and it's up to
them to do their part to improve Washington's business climate so that
businesses starting here do not fail because of unaffordable health
insurance or a tax and regulatory system that is burdensome and even
punitive," said WPC's Center for Small Business Director Carl Gipson.
Washington Policy Center will publish a detailed analysis of the
conference results in a report prior to the 2010 Legislative Session.
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Microenterprise Development Organizations
(MDO's) or emerging MDO's who wish to address program delivery and/or capacity
building on a short term project specific basis. Due to limited funds,
WSMA will be awarding 2-3 small grants to organizations in Washington in
support of microenterprise development services to existing and potential
micro-entrepreneurs. Please review the RFP grant guidelines and focus
areas to determine if your organization is interested and eligible to
apply. Proposals are due to WSMA by 5:00pm January 8, 2010.
