The primary objectives of the JTPA Microenterprise Grants Program were to (1) develop the capacity to provide effective business-related training to persons developing a microenterprise, and (2) provide technical assistance and support to owners or potential owners of a microenterprise. The Department of Labor awarded grants ranging from $205,000 to $300,000 to five states in July 1997.

As contractor for the evaluation of the JTPA Microenterprise Grants, BPA assessed how effectively programs were been able to accomplish these two major goals. In addition, BPA identified innovative and successful approaches that may be adapted by other employment and training programs seeking to serve dislocated workers. The study also examined why differences in implementation experience and outcomes occurred, and assesses, to the extent possible, how specific aspects of the project design, organization, target population, and environment affected that experience. Finally, findings from the evaluation supported the development of new and innovative approaches to microenterprise development that result in customer satisfaction.

The evaluation design included both qualitative and quantitative data collection. Field data collection included interviews with project staff and customers, staff from financial lending institutions, trainers from capacity building agencies, and representatives from auxiliary organizations. Quantitative data were used to document the short-term outcomes of the projects, to identify factors that affect the success of each project, and to compare the characteristics and outcomes of project participants with "mainstream" Title II and Title III participants. The study utilized project-level data gathered on-site from program operators and state grantees, as well as client-level data from the projects themselves and the national Standardized Program Information Record (SPIR) maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Publications:

Evaluation of the JTPA Microenterprise Grants Programs (Sep, 2000) (PDF:457KB)
Report addresses the JTPA Microenterprise Grants Program's goal of providing technical assistance and support to owners and potential owners of a microenterprise. Reviews states' capacity building efforts, including support for microenterprise and attempts to integrate this training option within state workforce development systems. Report also examines experiences of participants who were served under the program and concludes with recommendations for future efforts to make microenterprise services available within WIA programs.