From our friends at California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity:

“The real heart of job growth in the small business community is businesses with fewer than five employees. Addressing the needs of this segment can generate profound positive economic and social consequences.”

This new research report written by Terry Bibbens and Philip Borden makes the case for our work in Micro Enterprise Development. Please share with your local stakeholders and media.

Download the report in PDF format.

Katovich Law Group organized a round-table discussion on new innovative ways small businesses can raise capital. While most small businesses are restricted from making a public offering, the Oakland based law firm is pioneering in this field by developing a legal platform to achieve this goal. Join the continuing discussion at the Cutting Edge Capital Raising ning site.

Cutting Edge Capital Raising for Small Business

In the United States today, small businesses constitute about one-half of the private economy in terms of output and jobs, but they receive almost no investment from the nation’s pension funds or from mutual, hedge, venture, or any other kind of investment funds.  In a well-functioning financial system, roughly one-half of the investment should go to roughly one-half of the economy.

We begin the evening with a presentation about one of the primary causes for this market failure: the legal barriers to raising capital that disproportionately burden small businesses.

Next we discuss some cutting edge strategies that have been used to overcome these barriers.

We conclude with a discussion of legislative changes needed to address the barriers to capital-raising for small business and the formation of a working group to move the agenda forward.

Participants include:
Thomas Greco, Author of The End of Money and the Future of Civilization

John Katovich, President of Katovich Law Group, Presidio School of Management Professor, and Chief Legal Officer of the Boston Stock Exchange

Don Shaffer, President and CEO of RSF Social Finance

Leslie Christian, President and CEO of Portfolio 21 Investments

Derek Huntington, President of Sonoma County Go Local

Mike Leung, Worker Cooperative Credit Union Organizer

Jenny Kassan, Managing Director of Katovich Law Group and President of Community Ventures

Organized by Katovich Law Group

Oakland based Katovich Law Group is hosting a panel discussion on the topic of raising money for small business, looking at existing options and a policy agenda for the future. Speakers include:

• Thomas Greco, Author of The End of Money and the Future of Civilization and many other books on money and finance
• John Katovich, President of Katovich Law Group, Presidio School of Management Professor, and Chief Legal Officer of the Boston Stock Exchange
• Don Shaffer, President and CEO of RSF Social Finance
• Leslie Christian, President and CEO of Portfolio 21 Investments
• Derek Huntington, President of Sonoma County Go Local
• Mike Leung, Worker Cooperative Credit Union Organizer
• Jenny Kassan, Managing Director of Katovich Law Group and President of Community Ventures

Thursday, Nov. 19
6:00PM-8:00PM

Venue: HUB Berkeley
2150 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704

This event has a limited capacity, so please register in advance.

More about the event:

In the United States today, small businesses constitute about one-half of the private economy in terms of output and jobs, but they receive almost no investment from the nation's pension funds or from mutual, hedge, venture, or any other kind of investment funds.  In a well-functioning financial system, roughly one-half of the investment should go to roughly one-half of the economy.

Join us on Thursday, November 19 at 6 pm - We will begin the evening with a presentation about one of the primary causes for this market failure: the legal barriers to raising capital that disproportionately burden small businesses.

Next we will discuss some cutting edge strategies that have been used to overcome these barriers.

We will conclude with a discussion of legislative changes needed to address the barriers to capital-raising for small business and the formation of a working group to move the agenda forward.

Green For All's Capital Access Program (CAP) is pleased to announce the release of its premiere publication – "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: A Guide for Small Businesses and Nonprofits." This guide is intended to educate and direct businesses and nonprofits on opportunities to access funding and support from the Recovery Act. We will be hosting a webinar on September 9, 2009 at 4pm EDT. The webinar is being co-hosted by Tides Center, AEO and Green America. Our goal is to highlight emerging opportunities to leverage stimulus dollars, and to offer examples of best practices from across the country.

Date: Wednesday, September 9th
Time: 1 pm Pacific / 4 pm Eastern

Long time members of the Sustainable Business Alliance, Katovich Law Group has launched a new socially responsible business blog that tackles various legal issues. It's an excellent resource for small businesses and non-profits. Take a look at some of their posts:

Are cooperative patronage dividends subject to employment tax?

So, you want to grow marijuana?

High level employees of nonprofit organizations that receive non-monetary compensation could be subject to sanctions!