About Us The Microenterprise Council of Maryland (MCM), founded in 1999, is a non-profit network of public agencies and private companies who provide direct services and indirect support to people starting their own microbusinesses. MCM brings providers and agencies together to find the best ways to foster and promote microenterprise development. [Funding Sources] [Board Members] Our Mission Our mission is to advance and promote sustainable microenterprise development activities in Maryland, through coordination and implementation of policies, education, communication, training, technical assistance and resource development. Our Vision MCM is a premier coalition of microenterprise development practitioners, government agencies, private corporations, microbusinesses and other interested parties, which together provide a full range of business development programs, services and resources that result in the creation of thriving individuals, businesses, communities and economies all across the State of Maryland. Our Goals Our goals at MCM are to work toward educating policy makers and the community about this proven, yet overlooked economic and community development strategy. We aim to:   Develop outreach, education and training programs;   Serve as a clearinghouse and resource center;   Increase the capacity of, and financial resources for, practitioner organizations and programs;   Identify state and local regulatory barriers;   Recommend policies that encourage the development of microbusinesses;   Identify alternative group benefit programs (i.e. health insurance, etc.);   Track and document the progress of microenterprise development;   Develop recommendations that support sustainable human resource and community development. The Bottom Line... Starting microbusinesses…changing lives. By supporting people who are starting or expanding their own businesses, microenterprise programs help people increase their income, assets and net worth. As a result, their reliance on welfare or minimum wage jobs may be reduced, enabling many to move into economic self-sufficiency. Self-employment activities can also result in increased self-esteem, improved quality of life and increased involvement in community activities. Help make changes. Join MCM today!