Friday, May 25, 2007

Developing a Program Success Theory Model: A case study of microenterprise development in Vermont.

I recently presented a workshop on my Master's thesis work, "Developing a program success theory model: A case study of microenterprise development in Vermont", at the 2007 annual conference of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) on May 16, 2007 in Kansas City, MO.

This workshop reviewed my Master's thesis study conducted at the University of Vermont on factors that lead to client success in microenterprise development (MED) programs. A model of program success theory, including the relationships between client characteristics, program activities, interim outcomes, and impacts were examined through a path regression analysis of data from the Vermont Micro Business Development Program. Workshop attendees participated in an open dialog about the results of this study and provided insight on recommendations for program improvement and future study.

AEO is the national association of community-based organizations that provide entrepreneurial education, access to capital, and support to aspiring and active low-income entrepreneurs. AEO provides its members with a forum, information, and a voice to promote enterprise opportunity for people and communities with limited resources.