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MicroEnterprise Works!
RHODE ISLAND MICROENTERPRISE ASSOCIATION (RIMA)
8 ABBOTT PARK PLACE - PROVIDENCE, RI 02903 - 401-598-2256
NUMBER 6 - JUNE / JULY 2001
Ann Marie Marshall - Statewide Director

We are in the age of the idea. The organization that can develop a culture of creativity and
idea generation will be the winners. -Kevin Roberts, Saatchi & Saatchi

$5,000 GRANT FOR MICRO PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
The Center-supported Rhode Island MicroEnterprise Association (RIMA) received word on April 23rd of a $5,000 grant award from the Corporation For Enterprise Development (CFED). The grant is part of a program for State MicroEnterprise Association (SMA) to support additional advocacy at the state and federal legislatures for microbusiness development in individual states. RIMA State Director Ann Marie Marshall said, "This grant will help solidify the Association's Leadership role in offering free business training and technical assistance to the residents of our state's low and moderate income neighborhoods. With CFED's help we will be able to bring our message of equal access to entrepreneurial opportunities to our state's leaders and show them the value of supporting this type of low-cost community economic development program."

During the past nine months, RIMA has trained and certified seven new microbusiness instructors, set up training programs in five communities, developed training materials in three languages, and trained more than 250 people, including recent immigrants and refugees from more than a dozen nations. RIMA expects to double the size of its program in the next nine months.

RIMA is supported by grants from the Human Resources Investment Council, Rhode Island Foundation, Johnson & Wales University, and the Corporation For Economic Development.