Public Education and Advocacy

Microenterprise in Action!

Click here to read the 2010 OMEN Member Impact Report.

Oregon’s smallest businesses, comprising five or fewer employees, represent over 86% of all businesses in Oregon. This equates to over 306,000 economic generators creating jobs, paying taxes, and revitalizing Main Street in communities throughout the state. One out of every six Oregon private sector employees works for a microenterprise.

Microenterprise: Economic Development for Oregon

Oregon’s small business development and microenterprise development programs play a critical role in the successful start-up and operation of microenterprises across the state. There are over 70 organizations and programs dedicated to ensuring that Oregon’s small businesses thrive and create jobs. In a recent survey of 2009 data, OMEN found that the average Oregon microenterprise service provider assisted 410 entrepreneurs annually.

Statewide Outcomes in 2009*

  • 12,717 Entrepreneurs Served
  • 623 New Jobs Created, 2,032 jobs retained
  • 358 New Businesses Created
  • 181 New Loans Issued
  • $12,735,325 Loaned
  • 426 Existing Loans Serviced
  • Average Cost per Job Created: $5,962
  • Percentage Minority-Owned Businesses Served: 29%

*Data from 2009 OMEN Member Data Collection Survey

What Impact Do Microenterprises Have?

  • Create jobs
  • Contribute to Oregon’s tax base
  • Purchase local goods and hire locally
  • Help stabilize Oregon’s economy

Demographics in 2009— Who We Serve*:

  • 53% are women
  • 61% are low-income, defined as 80% or below HUD AMI
  • 29% are ethnic minorities

*Data from 2009 OMEN Member Data Collection Survey

What Services Are Provided to Entrepreneurs?


Microenterprise development is a proven pathway to business ownership for low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs that generates income, builds assets, and supports local economies. Microenterprise programs provide:

  • Training on business management skills
  • Consulting on financial management, marketing and business planning
  • Loans for business start-up or expansion
  • Business incubation and networking
  • Market research for access to new markets
  • Asset development through financial literacy training and IDAs for business expansion