About Our Program

In MicroEnterprise Works (MEW), we help people with disabilities explore their dream of starting a small business.

Many people think that it’s easy to start a business. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 9 out of 10 small businesses fail within 5 years. That isn’t a very good batting average! So, we try very hard to help our clients look honestly and realistically at both the opportunities and challenges of starting a business so that they have a good chance of being the 1 out of 10 who succeed.

The MicroEnterprise Works program works with about 150 individuals with disabilities per year.  Last year, over 50 of our clients were successful in launching their small business!

We do this by suggesting careful, honest, and thorough research during the planning process. We think it is important to know as much as possible about competitors, potential demand from target customers, and how much it REALLY will cost to successfully launch the business. We also help with marketing materials, bookkeeping systems, and operational planning.

We help people evaluate their business ideas and whether they are personally ready to start a small business or be self-employed. If a business idea looks promising, we assist the client in preparing the business plan and financial analysis necessary to receive financial support and start the business.

We have been helping people with disabilities evaluate business ideas for over 15 years.  Over the years, we have helped people start many different types of businesses, including:

• Car detailing
• Custodial services
• Dog grooming
• eBay sales
• Home improvement
• Hotdog stand
• Manicures and pedicures
• Massage therapy
• Metal fabricating
• Music lessons
• Painting
• Pest extermination
• Photography
• Public notary services
• Tax preparation
• Taxidermy
• Trophy and engraving
• Woodworking
• And more!