California Association for Microenterprise Opportunity

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION FOR MICROENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITY (CAMEO) is a statewide association of organizations, agencies, and individuals dedicated to furthering micro enterprise development in California. CAMEO was formed in California in 1993 as a public benefit corporation. CAMEOs mission is to increase opportunities for low-income people and communities by building capacity for Californias micro enterprise organizations. CAMEO builds capacity of practitioner organizations to better meet customer needs and improve the working environment for micro enterprise by educating the public and advocating on behalf of micro enterprise development.CAMEO expands resources and builds capacity for its member organizations who are providing entrepreneurs with small business training, business financing and technical assistance - coaching, capital assistance and networking. CAMEO advocates for public policies that support the business sector and builds public awareness of its economic impacts through the following program categories: Micro-lending enables members who are providing microloans to various businesses access to CAMEO's underwriting platform. Capacity Building members benefit from CAMEOs trainings in micro-lending, best practices, advocacy and workforce development, which specifically target underserved populations including veterans, immigrants and the long term unemployed. Rural Initiative CAMEO works in rural areas serving members throughout the state to bring resources to underserved regions.