AEO (Association for Enterprise Opportunity)

?? This Women’s History Month, AEO is proud to uplift the voices and impact of women entrepreneurs through data-driven insights and action. Women-owned businesses are a powerful force in our economy—driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening communities. Yet, they continue to face persistent barriers in accessing capital, networks, and resources. Our latest fact sheet and upcoming event highlight these challenges and the opportunities to foster a more inclusive and equitable small business ecosystem—offering key takeaways for policymakers, funders, and advocates dedicated to advancing economic equity. ?? Read our latest insights and message from CEO Natalie Madeira Cofield: ?? https://lnkd.in/gTbtH9JD #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenEntrepreneurs #EquityAndOpportunityForAll #AEOWorks #SmallBusinessResearch

?? In celebration of Women’s History Month, AEO is excited to share our latest Women’s Business Ownership Fact Sheet, highlighting the dynamic contributions of women entrepreneurs across the nation. Women-owned businesses are driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing more than $2.5 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. This fact sheet underscores the resilience and impact of women entrepreneurs and the importance of continued support for their success. ?? On March 19, join us for our Equity and Opportunity for All webinar, EmpowerHer: Women Shaping the Future of Business. We’ll dive into the insights from the fact sheet, addressing the challenges and opportunities women business owners face. Together, we’ll explore how we can ensure women entrepreneurs have the resources and support they need to thrive. Speakers include: Natalie Madeira Cofield, President & CEO, Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO)? Dr. Shadiin Garcia (she/her/hers) Garcia, Executive Director, Native Women Lead??? Nic Cober, Esquire, Founder, The BOW Collective? Jen Earle, CEO, National Association of Women Business Owners? LeeAnn Rasachak, CEO, WomenVenture? VR Small, Founder & CEO, Veteran Women's Enterprise Center?? Dr. Shakenna K. Williams, Executive Director, Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership, Babson College?? Lori Diane Smith, PhD, Senior Research Associate, AEO RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/gpUkAWC9 #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenEntrepreneurs #EmpowerHer #BusinessOwnership #EquityAndOpportunityForAll #AEO

???Exciting News from AEO!??? We are thrilled to announce a?landmark partnership?between the?Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO)?and?Small Business Majority?aimed at strengthening the?nationwide small business ecosystem. This transformative agreement will expand support for small businesses across the country, ensuring entrepreneurs and small business owners have access to the resources, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive. At AEO, we believe small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this partnership represents a major step toward advancing economic growth, equity, and opportunity for all. ???Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/eaPWetfZ Pictured below: Natalie Madeira Cofield, CEO of AEO, and John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO, Small Business Majority #SmallBusiness #Partnership #EcosystemGrowth #Entrepreneurship #EconomicOpportunity #SmallBizSupport #AEOWorks #BusinessGrowth

Join us tomorrow for the next installment of our Equity and Opportunity for All webinar series as we celebrate Black History Month with a dynamic virtual event that highlights the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Black entrepreneurs. Our panelists will share valuable insights from their work and offer perspectives on how we can build a small business ecosystem where all entrepreneurs can thrive.

Join us today at 3PM EST for -- AEO (Association for Enterprise Opportunity) is hosting Weaving the Future: Advancing Black Business Ownership and Economic Equity. Make sure to attend it today.

AEO congratulates Kelly Loeffler on her confirmation as Administrator of the U.S. U.S. Small Business Administration. "We look forward to working alongside Administrator Loeffler to ensure that small businesses everywhere have the resources they need to grow and thrive." — Natalie Madeira Cofield President & CEO, Natalie Madeira Cofield, provides a statement and shares key priorities for small businesses, including access to capital, technical assistance, and supporting the entrepreneurial workforce. Read the full statement here: ?? https://lnkd.in/eJ5h5v6J #SmallBusiness #SBA #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #AEO #SmallBizSupport #Leadership

On February 25, as part of our celebration of Black History Month, join us for “Weaving the Future: Advancing Black Business Ownership and Economic Equity,” a dynamic virtual event spotlighting the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Black entrepreneurs. Panelists will share perspectives from their work, offering insights on how to build a small business ecosystem where all entrepreneurs can flourish. We’re bringing together industry leaders and experts, including: Natalie Madeira Cofield, President & CEO, Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO)? Nicole A. Elam, Esq., President & CEO, National Bankers Association? Ken L. Harris, Ph.D., President & CEO, National Business League? Jessica Fulton, Vice President of Policy, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies? Stephanie DeVane, Vice President of Entrepreneurship & Business Development, National Urban League? Lori Diane Smith, PhD, Senior Research Associate, AEO RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/g6Vk_UGz? The event will also review findings from our newly released Black Business Ownership Fact Sheet: https://lnkd.in/gM7xNVsS? #WeavingTheFuture #BlackBusiness #EquityInAction #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness?

???Exciting Partnership Announcement!??? AEO is proud to join forces with the?National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC)?to expand economic opportunities for Puerto Rican entrepreneurs! ?????? Through this?strategic partnership, we are committed to strengthening access to resources, technical assistance, and capital—empowering Puerto Rican business owners to thrive in today's economy. Together, we are creating new pathways for sustainable growth and success. ?? Read more about how we’re working to support Puerto Rican entrepreneurs: https://lnkd.in/dZz6ThmU #SmallBiz #PuertoRico #Entrepreneurship #EconomicOpportunity #AEOworks #NPRCC

?? Exciting News from AEO! ?? We are thrilled to welcome five accomplished leaders to AEO’s Board of Directors! Their expertise and commitment to advancing economic opportunity will be instrumental in driving our mission forward. Meet our newest board members: ? Irma Esparza Diggs ?Senior Executive and Director of Federal Advocacy, – National League of Cities ? Janaye Ingram – ?Director of Community Partner Programs and Engagement, Airbnb ? Tyler Spalding – Senior Director, Corporate Affairs and Global Head of Social Innovation, PayPal ? Ebony Sunala Johnson – Head of Regulatory Affairs, Block ? Christopher R. Upperman – Head of Global Governance Engagements and Partnerships, Meta Their leadership will help us expand access to capital, innovative solutions, and resources for small businesses nationwide. Join us in celebrating this incredible addition to our AEO family! Read more about their impact and expertise here: ?? https://lnkd.in/de4n5fKD #AEOworks #SmallBizLeadership #EconomicOpportunity #Entrepreneurship ??

?? Happening Now ?? Join us for a special webinar today, February 6, to explore exciting opportunities to engage with the?Regional Councils?as an official ecosystem partner! ??? We’ll cover key takeaways from 2024, what’s ahead for 2025, and how YOU can get involved. Don’t miss this chance to connect and shape the future of small business support. ?? Tag your network and help us expand the impact! Register now:https://lnkd.in/dMheaqrg hashtag #RegionalCouncils hashtag #SmallBusiness hashtag #EcosystemBuilding hashtag #Webinar