The microenterprise industry has long recognized the importance of strong, supportive public policies - and their ability to impact both microentrepreneurs and the industry itself.

Indeed, supportive policies may have the potential to affect much larger numbers of microentrepreneurs than are reached directly through microenterprise program services. Moreover, there are areas where policy initiatives aimed specifically at microentrepreneurs can play a key role in supporting the growth of both microenterprises and the programs that serve them. Examples include policies related to: social welfare programs that support self-employment, and access to health insurance, asset development and financial services.

Recognizing that there is a critical role for practitioners, donors and others to play regarding public policy, FIELD has:

• Compiled a set of resources on policy research, as well as specific policy on a range of topics important to microentrepreneurs and the microenterprise industry.