Microenterprise Navigator Program
LISC created the Microenterprise Navigator Program in 2021 to provide technical assistance and training to business owners who are at or below 80% of the Area Median Income and provide goods and/or services to residents of low-to-moderate income areas. The program strengthens microenterprises owned by low-income individuals from under-resourced and underserved communities to be able to compete in the market and grow and provides resource navigation services for other microenterprises in the community that do not qualify to receive technical assistance under this program.
The two pilot partners, La Plaza and Kheprw Institute, served more than 160 low-income, minority microenterprise owners during their two-year tenure. In addition, 64 of the businesses served registered with the State of Indiana through this program, allowing them to open a business bank account separate from their personal finances, start building their credit score and create opportunities to access capital.
With funding from the City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development, LISC Indianapolis expanded its Microenterprise Navigator Program to include four community-serving sites: Martindale Brightwood Community Development Corporation, Indy Black Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Neighborhood Development (SEND), and Crooked Creek Community Development Corporation. Each of the four new partner organizations is expected to serve at least 30 microenterprises into 2024.
Martindale Brightwood Community Development Corporation leads residential and economic development initiatives that empower residents to work collaboratively to build sustainable and evolving neighborhoods in Martindale-Brightwood.
The Indy Black Chmaber of Commerce serves as a comprehensive resource for developing Black and Minority-owned businesses, by providing business education, financing, and access to capital opportunities to impact the economic enhancement of the Black community.
Crooked Creek Northwest CDC works to enhance the quality of life for far northwest residents by serving as a convener responsible for leading efforts to build a stronger and healthier neighborhood.
SEND is a non-profit community development corporation that advocates for housing, economic, and social equity by working with residents, business owners, and community partners to create and maintain inclusive, healthy, and vibrant neighborhoods in southeast Indy.
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City of Indianapolis
City of Indianapolis
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