By Jeannette Peten

The continued existence of one of microenterprises' most important federal programs is in jeopardy. The President's budget for the fiscal year 2005 recommended zero funding for the SBA Microloan Program. Despite the proven success of the SBA Microloan Program to cultivate entrepreneurship, the budget recommendation would effectively eliminate the SBA programs.

As Vice Chair of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) and Chair of the Microloan Committee, I traveled to Washington, D.C. in June, to inform our Texas representatives about the importance of microenterprise to Texas entrepreneurs. Since 1999, Texas Microloan Intermediaries have loaned almost $8,000,000 to Texan micro-entrepreneurs across the state.

AEO held a Microloan Reception in the Capital building with about 200 in attendance, including Senator Hillary Clinton (NY). The Reception was a fantastic opportunity to meet and mingle with both Democrat and Republican members of Congress, high-level legislative staff, Microloan intermediaries and supporters of the SBA Microloan Program.

Funding for the SBA Microloan Program is still in jeopardy in the Senate, and we need your help! As a key member of the Commerce-Justice-State Appropriations Subcommittee, support from Senator Hutchison is crucial for the SBA Microloan Program.

Send a letter today to Sen. Hutchison. Visit www.microenterpriseworks.org and enter you zip code. You will automatically be taken to a pre-written letter. This process takes less than 3 minutes. Take Action Today! Let Senator Hutchison know that small business is BiG business in Texas and the SBA Microloans program opens doors for Texans to pursue their American Dream.