Association for Enterprise Opportunity
Organization Details
Since 1991, AEO and its member and partner organizations have helped millions of entrepreneurs contribute to economic growth while supporting themselves, their families and their communities. AEO’s more than 1,700 members and partners include a broad range of organizations that provide capital and services to assist underserved entrepreneurs in starting, stabilizing and expanding their businesses. Together, we are working to change the way capital and services flow to underserved entrepreneurs so that they can create jobs and opportunities for all.
Impact Story
We create economic opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs throughout the United States.
We engineer transformational change through Research, Incubation, Convening & Advocacy to foster a robust and inclusive marketplace.
AEO has had a significant impact on the microbusiness sector, including:
- AEO members have helped more than two million entrepreneurs create jobs for themselves and their communities.
- AEO has secured more than $1B+ federal dollars for microbusiness industry participants since 2001 through policy advocacy efforts.
- Through AEO-managed programs, member organizations have received $20 million in private funding to improve/expand vital programs and services to underserved entrepreneurs and distressed communities.
- AEO research and initiatives have shaped policy and practice toward opportunity, industry transformation and financial inclusion.