April 7 - 8, 2008
St. Cloud Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Division Street and 37th Avenue
St. Cloud, MN

In an environment of constant change, long-term sustainability is a key issue for microenterprise development organizations. 

On April 7–8, join local and national microenterprise practitioners, technical assistance providers, funders, and policymakers as we explore ways to create strong, self-sufficient microenterprise programs and robust, diverse local economies. 

Lead sponsors include the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Metropolitan Economic Development Association, African Development Center, Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers, Northeast Entrepreneur Fund and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Conference Highlights

* Recent developments and best practices in the microenterprise
   field
* Practical considerations for developing earned income
   strategies
* Understanding the supply and demand sides of the
   microenterprise market
* Responding to changing trends in philanthropy
* Harnessing the power of technology to achieve efficiency
* Understanding and building appropriate capital structure
* Regional flavor initiatives – a new way of thinking about rural
   microenterprise development

* Creating and implementing successful state legislative
   initiatives

Who Should Attend

This conference is a great resource for new organizations or people just starting out, as well as veterans in the microenterprise development field.

Expected attendees include executive directors and CEOs of Microenterprise development organizations and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), community advocates, business consultants, City and County officials, the Governor's office, angel investments organizations, legislators, economic development students and philanthropists. In addition, we have invited representatives from such organizations as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, area chambers of commerce and business associations, financial institutions, trade associations and credit unions.

Community-based organizations or ethnic Community Development Corporations (CDCs) that may not be primarily focused on microenterprise, but are utilizing microenterprise strategies to meet their mission will also benefit from attending this event.