AEO (Association for Enterprise Opportunity)

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 We're thrilled to announce our partnership with Capital One Fund, paving the way for a new era of growth and opportunity for small businesses across the nation! Together, AEO and Capital One Fund are committed to breaking down barriers, expanding access to resources, and empowering entrepreneurs from all backgrounds to thrive. 🚀💼 At AEO, we're passionate about fostering a more inclusive economy where every small business has the chance to succeed. This partnership is a monumental step forward in that mission. Join us as we revolutionize the small business landscape and help drive economic equity for all! 🌍✨ 👉 Read more: https://lnkd.in/dXU9njbg #AEOWorks #SmallBusinessGrowth #CapitalOne #EconomicEquity #Entrepreneurship

Announcing a New Research Project! 🚀 The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), with funding from WorkRise , a research-to-action network hosted by the Urban Institute, is launching a pioneering research initiative focused on enhancing worker wellbeing through microbusiness. These small businesses are vital to our economy but often overlooked in research on employer practices. Our goal is to change that—providing actionable insights that help microbusinesses create quality jobs and foster shared prosperity in underserved communities across the U.S. 🔍 Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/gwSt7pz4 #WorkerWellbeing #JobQuality #Microbusiness #EconomicEquity #AEOworks #WorkRise

🌟 Event Recap: Leveraging Regionalism to Support Small Business - Region South Launch 🌟 We are thrilled to have successfully hosted the Region South Launch: Leveraing Regionalism to Support Small Business convening on October 15, 2024! It was an inspiring day filled with insightful discussions, expert panels, and collaborative networking opportunities, all focused on driving growth and economic development for small businesses across the Southern region. From exploring the power of regional collaboration to unveiling strategies that empower entrepreneurs, our attendees left with a renewed commitment to support and uplift local communities. A special thank you to our dynamic speakers and partners for their invaluable contributions. Together, we're building a stronger, more resilient small business ecosystem. A special thanks to our incredible speakers: Natalie Madeira Cofield, President and CEO, AEO (Association for Enterprise Opportunity)    U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Georgia’s 5th District    Allen Thomas, Region IV Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration   Karen Leone de Nie, VP of Community and Economic Development, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Patrick Dierberger, Vice President of Financial Management and Planning, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta    Kim Addie, VP of Strategy and Impact, Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative Building Initiative    Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, President, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies    Jay Bailey, President & CEO, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs    Theresa Bedeau, Launch Team Executive, Justice Climate Fund    Brooke Durham, Director of Communications, Climate United    Renée J. Johnson Johnson, Sr. Director Regional Councils, AEO (Association for Enterprise Opportunity)    Veronica Maldonado-Torres, CEO, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce    @Veronica Matur, CEO, ONABEN    Chelsea J. Maxwell, MSW Maxwell, Sr. Research Associate, AEO    Marvy Moore, Managing Partner, Verticality Concepts    Michael Oxman, Managing Director, Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business at Georgia Institute of Technology   Missed the event? Stay tuned for upcoming initiatives as we continue to expand our regional footprint and impact happening in Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Richmond, and Boston click here: https://lnkd.in/dsiKDM8x #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #EconomicGrowth #Regionalism #AEO #SmallBusinessSupport #RegionSouth #EventRecap #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityEmpowerment

We are honored to share that AEO President & CEO, Natalie Madeira Cofield, has been named to the Washington Business Journal's 2024 Women Who Mean Business Power List. This prestigious recognition celebrates women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and influence within the Washington, DC business community. Selected for her significant contributions to advancing economic equity and supporting underserved businesses, Natalie has joined AEO and quickly demonstrated her ability to lead AEO’s efforts to empower underserved entrepreneurs across the nation. This honor reflects her dedication to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship and driving impactful initiatives that strengthen the small business ecosystem. The award recipients, chosen based on their leadership, business acumen, and community impact, will be celebrated at the Women Who Mean Business gala on October 24, 2024 at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC. Read more about this award here: https://lnkd.in/g92pka5k Join us in congratulating Natalie on this well-deserved recognition! #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #EconomicEquity #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #AEO #InclusiveEntrepreneurship #SmallBusiness

Join us on October 15, 2024, at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta for the South Regional Councils Convening! This dynamic event will bring together influential leaders to discuss the power of leveraging regionalism to support small businesses. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/eqxnuWWn Speakers include: Natalie Madeira Cofield Cofield, President and CEO, AEO    U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Georgia’s 5th District    Selena Rodgers Dickerson, Council Member, National Women's Business Council Council    Allen Thomas, Region IV Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration   Karen Leone de Nie, VP of Community and Economic Development, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta    Patrick Dierberger, Vice President of Financial Management and Planning, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta    Kim Addie, VP of Strategy and Impact, Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative Building Initiative    Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, President, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies    Jay Bailey, President & CEO, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs    Theresa Bedeau, Launch Team Executive, Justice Climate Fund    Brooke Durham, Director of Communications, Climate United    Renée J. Johnson, Sr. Director Regional Councils, AEO (Association for Enterprise Opportunity)    Veronica Maldonado-Torres, CEO, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce    Veronica Maturino, CEO, ONABEN    Chelsea J. Maxwell, MSW, Sr. Research Associate, AEO (Association for Enterprise Opportunity)    Marvy Moore, Managing Partner, Verticality Concepts    Michael Oxman, Managing Director, Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business at Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders driving small business success across the South! 🗓️ Mark your calendar: October 15, 2024 | Noon – 5 PM 📍 Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta For more information, and to RSVP: https://lnkd.in/eqxnuWWn #SmallBusiness #RegionalCouncils #EconomicOpportunity #Entrepreneurship #AEO #SouthRegionalCouncils #LeadersInBusiness #EconomicDevelopment #AtlantaEvents #SBA #Regionalism #SupportSmallBusiness

AEO is proud to partner with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition - NCRC to host two dynamic fellows, Eke A. and Jaya Parashar, as part of our commitment to driving equitable economic development for underserved communities. Together, we’re fostering innovation, collaboration, and the tools necessary to uplift entrepreneurs across the nation. Join us in welcoming Eke and Jaya as they embark on this important journey with us. Learn more about this partnership and our work toward creating #EconomicEquity! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e-iS_x_J #Entrepreneurship #EquitableDevelopment #AEO #EconomicOpportunity #NCRC #InclusiveEconomy #SmallBusinessSuccess #AEOImpact

As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are thrilled to announce the release of our new Fact Sheet on Latino-Owned Businesses! 🎉 Latino entrepreneurs represent about 20% of all business owners in the U.S., contributing over $767 billion to the national economy. Our latest findings reveal that the number of Latino-owned businesses has grown by more than 46% since 2012, significantly outpacing overall business growth.  Despite these remarkable contributions, Latino-owned businesses continue to face unique challenges, particularly in accessing capital and support. This fact sheet provides valuable insights into their impact, challenges, and the future potential of this vital sector. Download the fact sheet here: https://lnkd.in/eipTyzJK  

Join us live for "Empowering Hispanic and Latino Entrepreneurs: Celebrating Achievements and Future Opportunities," part of AEO's Equity and Opportunity for All series. Hear from leading experts and advocates as they discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Latino entrepreneurs. #HispanicHeritageMonth2024 #LatinoEntrepreneurs #EconomicEquity #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #AEO

🌟 Join us on October 3rd, 2024, for an exciting virtual event celebrating and empowering Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs! 🎉 AEO is proud to present Equity and Opportunity for All: Empowering Hispanic and Latino Entrepreneurs—Celebrating Achievements and Future Opportunities. 🗣️ We’re thrilled to be joined by an incredible lineup of speakers, including: Representative Congresswoman Nydia Velazquezázquez (NY-07) Natalie Madeira Cofield, President & CEO, Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) Ramiro Cavazos, President & CEO, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Rudy Espinoza, Executive Director, Inclusive Action for the City Mark L. Madrid, Founder & CEO, Breakthrough Mavens; Entrepreneur-in-Residence, NMSDC Ruben Cantuén Cantú, Founder & CEO, LMNTS Lori Diane Smith, PhD, Ph.D., Senior Research Associate, AEO Moderated by AEO Board Member Carolina Martinez, CEO of CAMEO Network, this discussion will celebrate the achievements of Hispanic and Latino business leaders while addressing opportunities for future growth in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 📅 Date: October 3, 2024 ⏰ Time: 3 PM EST / 12 PM PST 📍 Location: Zoom - https://lnkd.in/eZ5aXGDJ Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with thought leaders driving change and supporting Latino business success! Register now https://lnkd.in/eZ5aXGDJ to secure your spot. 🙌 #HispanicHeritageMonth #LatinoEntrepreneurs #EconomicOpportunity #SmallBusiness #AEO

🚀 AEO is thrilled to host the launch of our new report, Seizing Opportunities: How Small Businesses Can Lead in Sustainability and Inclusion, along with a brand-new factsheet! 🌱✨ This webinar is tailored for small business support organizations and key stakeholders in the small business ecosystem to explore their crucial role in helping small businesses advance sustainable and inclusive practices. Don’t miss out on this important conversation! RSVP: https://lnkd.in/eG25rknX #Sustainability #Inclusion #SmallBusiness #AEO #SeizingOpportunities #Entrepreneurship #ESG