Return to Resources > Rural Microenterprise
RURAL POLICY
|
Policy Recommendations in
Support of Rural Entrepreneurship
 Download the document with recommend-ations for fostering rural entrepreneurship as
the 2008 presidential elections unfold. |
The availability of funding for microenterprise development (MED) directly impacts the field’s capacity to support rural microbusiness owners. While foundation and corporate philanthropy have provided significant support for microenterprise development (MED), engaging in policy and advocacy on behalf of MED is also key to sustaining this work.
Over the past several years, AEO has supported a number of efforts to build the field’s capacity in policy development and advocacy at the local, state and national level. This page outlines these efforts. Click on the topics below to read more about them:
The Farm Bill is the primary agricultural and food policy tool of the US government under the purview of the US Department of Agriculture. The current Farm Bill, known as the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 replaces the prior Farm Bill which expired in September 2007.
AEO worked closely with the Center for Rural Affairs to advocate the inclusion of provisions in support of rural MED programs and business owners. Particularly of interest are the following provisions focusing on attracting new businesses, improving access to technology, and capturing new markets:
-
Includes $15 million for a new Rural Entrepreneur and Microenterprise Assistance Program that will provide technical and financial assistance to microenterprises and small businesses in rural areas with fewer than 10 employees
-
Sets aside specific funds within the Business and Industry Program for loans and loan guarantees for rural food enterprise entrepreneurs that process and distribute food locally and regionally
-
Extends the Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration Program, which provides technical assistance, outreach, and business and marketing planning to increase the viability, growth, and sustainability of value-added agricultural businesses
-
Extends Rural Cooperative Development Grants, a competitive program that establishes and operates centers for rural cooperative development
-
Provides information and resources related to sustainable and organic farming practices to farmers through a technology transfer program
-
Extends Rural Business Opportunity Grants for job training in rural areas
AEO is currently supporting five rural policy networks as they advocate for greater funding for microenterprise and shape policy in their regions. For more information,
click here.
AEO’s policy staff monitors federal legislation that affects microentrepreneurs and microenterprise development programs, informing members about critical federal issues, and serving as a resource center on issues surrounding microenterprise development.
Click here to learn more about these efforts.
AEO hosted the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Policy Summit October 27-28, 2005 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Seventy key stakeholders primarily from the southern Appalachian region came together to discuss entrepreneurial communities, to develop policy recommendations and convened for state caucuses to exchange ideas and best practices. The southern Appalachian region includes eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina, northwestern Georgia and northern Alabama.
The following list of links includes detailed information on the discussions and policy recommendations from the Policy Summit.
-
Summary of Findings (PDF)
-
Introductory Policy Suggestions (PDF)
-
Entrepreneur Support Organizations: Catalysts for Entrepreneurial Communities (PDF)
-
Roles of Entrepreneur Support Organizations and Case Studies (PDF)
-
Effective Entrepreneurship Policies at the Local, Regional and State Levels (PDF)
-
Central Appalachian Network: Implementing Policy Recommendations (PDF)
The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Policy Summit was made possible with support from:
Appalachian Regional Commission • Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation • Tennessee Valley Authority • Georgia Department of Community Affairs • Rural Development Council • University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service • SunTrust Bank of East Tennessee • Legal Aid of East Tennessee • United Community Bank
