Business Ownership Initiative

The Business Ownership Initiative works to build understanding and strengthen the role of business ownership as an economic opportunity strategy. We work closely with micro- and small business practitioners and the institutions that invest in them around the US to build knowledge and strengthen practice by exploring innovation, conducting research, evaluating new ideas, and supporting leaders. The initiative houses EOP’s longstanding work to support the US microenterprise development industry. BOI also serves as a resource to donors and investors interested in microenterprise in the United States. BOI is an initiative of the Economic Opportunities Program.

Blogs and more

Advancing Innovation and Fairness in Small Business Finance — Driving Innovation in Small Business Lending

During this event, we heard perspectives from lenders, investors, policymakers, small business owners, and advocates about how to build a financing market that truly works for small businesses.

Advancing Innovation and Fairness in Small Business Finance — A Conversation with Michael Barr

During this event, we heard perspectives from lenders, investors, policymakers, small business owners, and advocates about how to build a financing market that truly works for small businesses.

Advancing Innovation and Fairness in Small Business Finance — Ensuring that Innovation Benefits Small Businesses: The Role of Guardrails

During this event, we heard perspectives from lenders, investors, policymakers, small business owners, and advocates about how to build a financing market that truly works for small businesses.

BOI and the Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (Newsletter)

At the beginning of this year, the Aspen Institute’s Business Ownership Initiative joined the Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (IIE), a national effort to expand access to capital for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.