Microenterprise Development

Days/Hours of Availability

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Client Eligibility Criteria

Low-income individuals wanting to start a new business or expand their existing business.

Contact

Travis Pillen - Finance and Microenterprise Program Administrator
(402) 471-4515 ext. 139
tpillen@lincoln-action.org

Funders

Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) Program
(http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/dcdp/joli/)

Key Partners

Health & Human Services - Refers clients in need of Lincoln Action Program's services.
http://www.hhs.state.ne.us

Southeast Community College - Provides education for LAP lawn care and landscaping services.
http://www.southeast.edu/

United Methodist Ministries - Provides mentors for small business owners.

Program Description 

As part of the career development department, the microenterprise development program aims to create job opportunities for low-income individuals who want to start their own business or expand the small business they currently own. 

In a classroom setting, individuals receive technical and soft-skills training related to small business development, administered in the Core Four® Business Planning Course curriculum.  At the end of the curriculum, participants leave with a viable business plan and continued technical assistance for making that plan a reality.

In addition, the program is in the process of developing a social enterprise called LAP Lawn Services (LLS).  Participants will receive small business training and education in the lawn care/landscaping industry, learn the intricacies of running a lawn care/landscaping business, and engage in a one-year paid internship to gain real experience in the field.  After that year, participants will transition to self-employment in the industry, creating new jobs in the community.

Click here to view the LAP Lawn Services brochure.

Click here to print an application packet for the Microenterprise Development program. Completed applications can be dropped off or mailed to Travis Pillen at Lincoln Action Program.