A Minnesota Without Poverty encourages entrepreneurship in North Minneapolis
Members of Redeemer Lutheran Church (ELCA) in North
Minneapolis and Bethlehem Lutheran Church (ELCA) in South Minneapolis are working together through A Minnesota Without Poverty to offer new opportunities for individuals through micro-enterprise loans. Photo credit: Rod Maeker
Even while advocating for an increase in the minimum wage at the Minnesota State Capitol to address a structural barrier for many people experiencing economic challenges, A Minnesota Without Poverty (AMWP) is also supporting individuals who have an entrepreneurial spirit through micro-enterprise loans and mentoring. AMWP is a statewide movement to end poverty in Minnesota by 2020.
AMWP is building partnerships with congregations and nonprofits that share its goal, inviting them to participate in its Micro-Enterprise Partnerships. AMWP will offer small grants to local communities to develop a loan fund and offer training to volunteers and potential business owners in local communities.
Local community organizations will be asked to match the grant of $5,000 to form a loan pool of $10,000. AMWP trainers will help to identify and recruit potential owners, as well as assist these persons to develop a business plan and fill out a loan application.
At a recent AMWP training at Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis, 21 potential entrepreneurs began the process of escaping poverty through business ownership.
Tags: A Minnesota without Poverty, AMWP, loan fund, micro-enterprise, Micro-Enterprise Partnerships, Redeemer Lutheran Church
