Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO)

06/27/2024

This , the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) celebrates the vital role LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs play in the U.S. business community with the release of its 2024 LGBTQ+ Business Ownership Fact Sheet.

Learn more and download the 2024 LGBTQ+ Small Business Face Sheet now: https://ow.ly/F8uM50SqVn2

Later today, learn more about our new fact sheet at our virtual event and hear about the experiences and impact of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs on the U.S. economy during our virtual event "The Pride Economy: Promoting Economic Equity and Equality for LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs."

Speakers slated to participate include:

- Representative Sharice Davids, Kansas, District 3 - 116th-118th Congress
- Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey (Moderator), Host of “A More Perfect Union” and Chief National Affairs Analyst, KBLA 1580
- Tarik Perkins, Director of Programs, StartOut
- Waverly Deutsch, Advisor, WyseHeart Advisory
- Lori Smith Ph.D., Senior Research Associate, Association for Enterprise Opportunity
- Natalie Madeira Cofield, CEO, Association for Enterprise Opportunity

Don't miss this chance to learn more about how your business support organization, non-profit, or government agency can positively impact the LGBTQ+ business community. Learn more and RSVP: https://ow.ly/iFZI50SqVn3

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06/24/2024

Join Representative Sharice Davids, Chief Political Analyst, and talk show host of “A More Perfect Union,” Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, and other experts on 6/27 to hear about the experiences and impact of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs on the U.S. economy. This will be part of AEO’s virtual event series 'Equity and Opportunity for All' webinar, titled "The Pride Economy: Promoting Economic Equity and Equality for LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs."

This event will also mark the release of the 2024 LGBTQ+ Small Business Face Sheet. Learn more and RSVP: https://ow.ly/xXUT50S20Tu

Other speakers slated to participate include:

- Tarik Perkins, Director of Programs, StartOut
- Waverly Deutsch, Advisor, WyseHeart Advisory
- Lori Smith Ph.D., Senior Research Associate, Association for Enterprise Opportunity
- Natalie Madeira Cofield, CEO, Association for Enterprise Opportunity

Don't miss this chance to learn more about how your business support organization, non-profit, or government agency can positively impact the LGBTQ+ business community. Learn more and RSVP: https://ow.ly/xXUT50S20Tu

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06/21/2024

The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is hiring! We are looking for a talented, organized, logistics person who can join our team as an Operations Coordinator.

The Operations Coordinator is an important role within the Operations Department that is responsible for the coordination of operational functions of the organization. This role will work closely with the Senior Director of Operations to ensure that our operations are streamlined, running efficiently, performing at optimal capacity, and meeting the needs of internal and external stakeholders.

We are seeking candidates that are detail and process-oriented and enjoy coordinating operational work within an organization. Priority skills include strong attention to detail, ability to communicate clearly, project and process management, procurement, and financial management.

Learn more and apply here: https://aeoworks.org/careers/

06/20/2024

Speakers Announced -->Join us on June 27 for our next event in our 'Equity and Opportunity for All' webinar series, "The Pride Economy: Promoting Economic Equity and Equality for LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs." This virtual event will illuminate the experiences and impact of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

This event will also mark the release of the 2024 LGBTQ+ Small Business Face Sheet. Learn more and RSVP: https://ow.ly/xXUT50S20Tu

Speakers slated to participate include:

- Representative Sharice Davids, Kansas, District 3 - 116th-118th Congress
- Nii-Quartelai Quartey (Moderator), Senior Advisor and National LGBT Liaison, AARP
- Tarik Perkins, Director of Programs, StartOut
- Waverly Deutsch, Advisor, WyseHeart Advisory
- Lori Smith Ph.D., Senior Research Associate, Association for Enterprise Opportunity
- Natalie Madeira Cofield, CEO, Association for Enterprise Opportunity

Don't miss this chance to learn more on how you can positively impact the LGBTQ+ business community. Learn more and RSVP: https://ow.ly/xXUT50S20Tu

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06/18/2024

In honor of Juneteenth, Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) President & CEO Natalie Madeira Cofield shares her vision for financial inclusion for underserved entrepreneurs and the ongoing quest for economic equity and justice. Cofield reminds us that minority-owned businesses are critical drivers of economic vitality, contributing over $207 billion in annual revenue and employing nearly 5 million entrepreneurs. Yet, their potential is often stifled by systemic barriers and inequities. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes robust policy initiatives, regional collaboration, and sustainable practices.

Read more: https://aeoworks.org/juneteenth-driving-policy-regional-collaboration-and-sustainable-growth-for-minority-owned-businesses/

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we celebrate not only the historical emancipation of enslaved African Americans but also the ongoing quest for economic equity and justice.This day serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to support minority-owned small and micro businesses, which...

06/17/2024

The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is hiring. We are seeking a seasoned Research Director with superior skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, data science, and management to lead and conduct small business industry research. The Research Director will possess the ability to quickly develop deep knowledge of sector-specific issues and priorities and produce compelling applied research initiatives that will drive engagement and add value to AEO’s research, program, and policy priorities.

Learn more and apply here: https://aeoworks.org/careers/

06/14/2024

June is and the Association for Enterprise Opportunity President & CEO, Natalie Madeira Cofield, reflects on the vital contributions and impact of immigrant entrepreneurs to our nation’s economy and the extraordinary role that immigrants play in fostering innovation, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.

Key facts about immigrant-owned businesses:

- Immigrants are nearly twice as likely to start businesses as native-born Americans. - Immigrants have founded more than 40% of Fortune 500 companies
- Immigrant entrepreneurs make up 21.7% of all business owners in the United

States, despite accounting for only 13.6% of the population and generate $1.3 trillion in total sales

Read more on the impact of immigrant entrepreneurs and their contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape of the U.S.: https://ow.ly/3Bpu50Sj20C

06/10/2024

On June 27, The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) will host the next event in our 'Equity and Opportunity for All' webinar series, "The Pride Economy: Promoting Economic Equity and Equality for LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs." This virtual event will illuminate the experiences of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

This event will also mark the release of the 2024 LGBTQ+ Small Business Face Sheet.

Speakers slated to participate include:

- Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey (Moderator), Host of “A More Perfect Union” and Chief National Affairs Analyst, KBLA Talk 1580
- Tarik Perkins, Director of Programs, StartOut
- Waverly Deutsch, Advisor, WyseHeart Advisory
- Lori Smith Ph.D., Senior Research Associate, Association for Enterprise Opportunity
- Natalie Madeira Cofield, CEO, Association for Enterprise Opportunity

Don't miss this chance to learn more on how you can positively impact the LGBTQ+ business community. Learn more and RSVP: https://ow.ly/xXUT50S20Tu

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06/07/2024

Happy ! Join the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) for the "The Pride Economy" webinar on June 27 at 3 PM EST. Gain insights into LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs' experiences, economic contributions, and the challenges they face. This event aims to educate and equip small business service providers and ecosystem leaders to effectively serve LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

This event will also mark the release of the 2024 LGBTQ+ Small Business Face Sheet.

Speakers slated to participate include:

- Tarik Perkins, Director of Programs, StartOut
- Waverly Deutsch, Advisor, WyseHeart Advisory
- Lori Smith Ph.D., Senior Research Associate, Association for Enterprise Opportunity
- Natalie Madeira Cofield, CEO, Association for Enterprise Opportunity

Learn more and RSVP: https://ow.ly/xXUT50S20Tu

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06/06/2024

The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is hiring.

We are looking for a talented, organized, logistics person who can join our team as an Operations Coordinator.

The Operations Coordinator is an important role within the Operations Department that is responsible for the coordination of operational functions of the organization. This role will work closely with the Senior Director of Operations to ensure that our operations are streamlined, running efficiently, performing at optimal capacity, and meeting the needs of internal and external stakeholders. We are seeking candidates that are detail and process-oriented and enjoy coordinating operational work within an organization. Priority skills include strong attention to detail, ability to communicate clearly, project and process management, procurement, and financial management.

Learn more and apply here: https://aeoworks.org/careers/

06/04/2024

ICYMI, yesterday, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity CEO and President, Natalie Madeira Cofield, participated in the panel "Paths to Progress" hosted by the Center for Community Uplift (CCU) at The Brookings Institution and John Legend's initiative. The event focused on how different racial groups perceive their progress on measures of well-being and economic security. Differing from the dominant discourse around racial divisions, "Paths to Progress" addressed racial equity as a unifying priority and an issue at stake in the upcoming presidential election. John Legend, a performer, producer, entrepreneur, and activist, led an intimate conversation on solutions that eliminate discrimination, racism, and exclusion.

Watch now:

The new Center for Community Uplift (CCU) at Brookings, directed by Senior Fellow Andre M. Perry, will explore how different racial groups perceive their pro...

05/30/2024

NOTE - The date for this event has been changed to June 27.

The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is thrilled to announce our upcoming event, "The Pride Economy: Promoting Economic Equity and Equality for LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs." The event is scheduled for June 27 at 3 PM EST. This virtual event will provide valuable insights into the experiences of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, highlighting their economic contributions, social impact, and the challenges they face. The event is designed to educate and equip small business service providers and ecosystem leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively serve LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

Learn more and RSVP:

https://ow.ly/4YZX50S20Tv

Event highlights include:

- Research Presentation: Discover key findings from our latest research, which showcases the economic contributions of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and delves into the social impact and specific challenges they encounter.
- Panel Discussion: Engage with a diverse panel of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, experts, and practitioners as they share their personal experiences and insights. Learn about effective strategies for supporting the LGBTQ+ business community and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Don't miss this chance to participate in an engaging discussion that will enable you to have a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ business community.

Learn more and RSVP:

https://ow.ly/4YZX50S20Tv

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