About Us
WHAT
Alabama Microenterprise Network (AMEN) is a 501c(3) organization formed in 2002 to create opportunities and a better environment for microenterprise development in Alabama. As a State Microenterprise Association (SMA), AMEN's mission is to speak with one voice to serve, educate and empower the microenterprise service providers in Alabama and the entrepreneurs they represent.
WHY
Microenterprises are those businesses with five or fewer employees that are small enough to benefit from loans under $35,000. They are both urban and rural, start-up and seasoned, and range from sole proprietor to 'mom and pop' businesses to larger enterprises that hire other members of the community.
Background:
In 2002, at a regional conference in Nashville of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), several Alabama attendees expressed a desire to establish a network of Alabama organizations to devise a strategy to guide them to reach new levels of achievement and growth. Shortly thereafter, representatives from several organizations met and proposed a strategy to create the “Alabama MicroEnterprise Network” (AMEN). Founding participating organizations included the Birmingham Business Resource Center, Central Alabama Women’s Business Center, Community Equity Investments, Inc. (Ceii), Structured Employment Economic Development Corporation (SEEDCO), Mobile Women’s Business Center, AmSouth Bank(now Regions), Community Services Programs of West Alabama and Westside Community Development Corporation. As of 2007 there are currently twenty-three statewide member organizations.
Who Our Member Organizations Serve:
While the individuals and communities that need and benefit from microenterprise assistance are quite varied, most microenterprise development programs target their services to low-income people. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of specific target groups such as welfare recipients, minorities, women, the working poor, and individuals or business sectors that most frequently lack access to credit. Some programs also target young people, disabled, refugees, homeless individuals and rural areas.