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"State of the Field". This major new publication from FIELD examines the state of the microenterprise industry in the United States. Read more.

The Scale Academy includes seven microenterprise organizations committed to scaling-up through new business model development while maintaining quality and sustainability. Learn more about members’ strategies.

Webinars periodically highlight FIELD's developing research topics and augment published materials with interviews and commentary. Browse recorded Webinars.

Donor Resources. FIELD offers two resources for donors interested in the U.S. microenterprise field. FIELD's Funder Guide Series provides donors with insights into the field and effective ways in which it can be supported. FIELD also staffs a Microenterprise Funders Group that provides opportunities for exchange and learning among donors. Learn more about these donor resources.

Performance buzz. There's plenty of talk in the industry today about the importance of tracking performance and client outcomes to demonstrate program effectiveness. Consultant Jason Friedman makes this point in a recent edition of his electronic newsletter, Sustainability in Action! He writes: "If you want to be a player in economic development in your community, then it's time to develop an outcome monitoring and evaluation survey instrument and system." MicroTest was designed to help programs take a giant step in that direction. Learn more about MicroTest products, services and membership.

MicroTest expands membership. In 2007, MicroTest crossed the 100-member threshold and was pleased to extend membership to MIS vendors for the first time. View a complete membership list.

Access MicroTest data. MicroTest annually produces reports from program performance and client outcomes data collection efforts, as well as data collected through the CDFI Data Collection Project. Learn more about the kind of findings you can access.

Webcast trainings on MicroTest’s Performance and Outcomes products.
Live and archived versions of MicroTest's hour-long sessions provide an opportunity for MicroTest members to train new staff, or refresh the skill of existing staff members, while they fill out their workbooks for FY2006. Read more.

Microtest Intermediary. MicroTest’s newest product offers a cost-effective tool for collecting and analyzing high-quality data on a number of microenterprise programs. Georgia Microenterprise Network is the newest user. Read more about this product.

MicroTest receives Rabobank funding for strategic planning. MicroTest, a performance management tool developed by FIELD, has received $75,000 from Rabobank that will be used to underwrite a feasibility assessment of a new, more sophisticated data collection system, as well as convene an in-person stakeholders meeting scheduled for Dec. 3-4, 2008 in Washington, DC. Click here to learn more about MicroTest.

Newly released publication explores impact of CDFIs. The Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Data Project has released its latest report on the industry. The publication documents the work of 505 CDFIs investing $4.7 billion in new financing activity in Fiscal Year 2006, an investment linked to 35,609 jobs and 69,893 units of affordable housing. The report, based upon the most recent data set of CDFI activity, combines text, numerous charts and tables, and case studies profiling the successes of borrowers. A supplemental section, authored by FIELD, presents data on 122 CDFIs that engage in microenterprise lending. Download report. Download microenterprise lending supplement.

Report on FY 2006 MicroTest Performance Data available. A series of PowerPoint presentations on the FY 2006 MicroTest Program Performance Data is now available on-line. The presentations are divided into sections – Reaching Target Groups, Program Scale, Training Programs, Lending Programs, and Funding and Sustainability – and show the diversity of program performance in the field. Text is combined with graphics for easy comprehension. View reports.

Savings through IDAs explored in new funder guide. Recognizing how important it is for microentrepreneurs to accumulate savings, a number of microenterprise development programs are offering clients an opportunity to participate in an Individual Development Account (IDA), a matched savings account that can be used for business purposes. FIELD Funder Guide Issue 12, looks at why IDAs work for microentrepreneurs, what has been learned about the accomplishments, and challenges of IDA programs and how funders can help improve and expand the use of this strategy through strategic investments. Read PDF.

Tune into Webinar on capital structures to support sustainability. Missed our recent Webinar on what it takes for microenterprise programs to develop capital structures that support greater sustainability? An on-line version can now be easily accessed - anytime. The Webinar showcases efforts by Justine Petersen to generate more flexible capital, and includes commentary by experienced staff from ACCION New Mexico and ACCION New York. Watch now.

Second forum on sustainability released. FIELD explores another promising approach to sustainability being used in the microenterprise field in FIELD forum Issue 20. This case study examines how Justine Petersen, a program in St. Louis, Mo., is pursuing equity capital as a way to achieve scale-up and sustainability. Read PDF.