NASE Foundation Programs

Future Entrepreneur Scholarship

2012 recipient Abigail Dahl, inventor of a high-tech bicycle cover called Cycle-Jacket, is in the early phase of manufacturing and production for her new product. A student at Oregon State University in Corvallis, where she is majoring in business entrepreneurship, Abigail maintains a 3.9 grade point average. In addition to her business classes, she is a member of the Austin Entrepreneurship Program, Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), and the Garage Project. She recently traveled to Guatemala to work with young entrepreneurs.

Achievement Award

Before past recipient Pat Bennett, a dog sport equipment manufacturer, was recognized with a $20,000 Award, she and her employee worked off of adjacent workbenches in a 10-by-15-foot self-storage unit. After the award, they moved to a new 500-square-foot space and launched additional products. “The award was instrumental in getting us to the next level,” said Bennett.

Growth Grants^®

Previous winner Tasha Scott provides real-time captioning services for the deaf and hard of hearing. The $5,000 Growth Grant¨ came at a pivotal time for Scott. “I feel like I now have the seed money I need to back my ideas for the growth of the business.” She has since moved operations out of her home and employs several subcontractors. “We want to be able to grow this business so we can help more people,” Scott said.

Succeed Scholarships^®

Bill Reichardt, an IT project manager, started his own project management consulting business while also working on his MBA. Reichardt paid for his degree himself and through government loans. A Succeed Scholarship® helped him to complete his MBA with less debt, and give his company greater growth potential.

Business Skills Education

Past topics include “Critical Tax Questions for the Self-Employed” and “Business Plans That Work”. Future subjects could include marketing, web presence, and generating more revenue.

Micro-Business Research

Did you know that 99.9 percent of all businesses in the United States are small businesses, with three-fourths representing the self-employed? From broad national surveys on the micro-business perspective to snapshots of how micro-business owners feel about the hot topics ofthe day, the NASE serves as the go-to resource for the media and policymakers on facts about the self-employed.