Since 1991, the AEO (Association for Enterprise Opportunity) has dedicated itself towards strengthening the small business ecosystem, contributing over $1BN in funding for entrepreneurial organizations throughout the USA.
AEO Innovation Hub
The AEO Innovation Hub serves as the central business space for the introduction of new technologies, modern services, and impactful business methods. By fostering experimentation, collaboration, and practical solutions, the AEO empowers small firms to scale effectively, embrace market trends, and build long-term economic resilience in diverse industries across the U.S.
AEO Research and Data-Driven Insights
- Recent U.S. small-business research developed by the AEO highlights the expanding economic role of micro businesses, identified as those with between 0–9 employees. These firms support more than 43.6 million jobs nationwide and have demonstrated steady growth over the past five years, including a 12% increase in job creation and a 15% rise in overall business revenue. Diversity within micro enterprises is also strengthening, with 44% of micro businesses owned by women, reflecting broader participation in entrepreneurship as documented by the SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration).
Today, micro businesses represent 96% of all U.S. firms, underscoring their importance in driving local economic development and community stability. These data trends emphasize the need for sustained investment, tailored support programs, and research-backed strategies to ensure long-term resilience and expansion across the micro-business sector.
The AEO has equally earmarked the 1099 as an important factor in stimulating small business growth. The File Form 1099-MISC added to IRS filings includes details for each person receiving payment in a given tax year of items including but not limited to:
- At least $10 in royalties or broker payments in lieu of dividends or tax-exempt interest.
At least $600 in:
- Rents
- Prizes and awards
- Other income payments
The AEO has also identified ESG studies as guides that will direct U.S. policy recommendations as more accessible small business ecosystems develop over time.
AEO Events and Convenings
The Association for Enterprise Opportunity has hosted a wide range of thought-leadership events built on solid foundations to empower and elevate small businesses nationwide. From expert-led webinars and hands-on workshops to high-impact conferences and intimate networking sessions, these gatherings provide U.S. entrepreneurs with practical insights, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities. Each event is designed to address real-world challenges and equip small businesses with essential tools for long-term success.
AEO Regional Councils
The AEO Regional Councils program that inaugurated in 2024, has increased national presence with six regional councils across the country now established including The Great Lakes region, consisting of six states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. The Midwest region as a whole is also comprised of the six Great Lakes regions alongside the Great Plains region covering Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri. Further AEO Regional Council launches throughout 2024 and 2025 include: the Southeast region in 2024 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee), and throughout 2025, the South Central Region (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas), the Mid-Atlantic Region, (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia) and the New England Region, (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont).
The Latestsale.com Founder and President was pleased to have been part of the AEO Regional Council launch. These pivotal AEO Regional councils have been created to strengthen local interactions between U.S. business communities and U.S. Government, solidifying support for these small enterprises across the various regions and accelerating constructive discussions with lawmakers. By 2026/2027, the AEO expects to have expanded its presence across the full 10 regional councils throughout the USA.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Midwest AEO Regional Council Convening launch on 20th November 2024 enjoyed a stellar guest list of U.S. entrepreneurs and small business owners including Michelle Ogbonna, Founder, President and CEO of Latestsale.com, flying the British-American flag.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Midwest AEO Regional Council 2024 Convening Attendees
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Midwest AEO Regional Council 2024 Convening of enlightening panelists and Moderators included:
- Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, President, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies who was present to sign the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with President and CEO of the AEO, Natalie Madeira Cofield
- Renée Johnson- 2024 AEO Senior Director of Regional and Ecosystem Councils and currently AEO Vice President of Ecosystems and Strategic Partnerships
- Dilawar Syed, Former 2024 Deputy Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
- Geri (Sanchez) Aglipay, former 2024 Region V Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
- Kristi Dula, Director, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
- Veronica Maturino, Chief Executive Officer, ONABEN
- Mambu Sherman, Vice Presidentfor Global Philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase & Co
- Shelly Brown Senior Director at AON, and U.S. Army Veteran, management consultant and more recently, a Board of Trustees member at the William Woods University
- Steven Anthony, Chairman of Anthony Global Holdings Inc., now also Senior Director for Economic Development for the City of Miami Beach
- Leslie McGranahan, Senior Vice President and Director of Regional Research and Engagement at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
- Cassie Carroll, Director of the Green Business Engagement National Network (GBENN)
- Aarti Kotak, 2024 Managing Director, and Head of ESG and Social Impact at Ariel Alternatives
- Lenwood Long Sr., Chief Executive Officer at the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
- The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) 2024 President/CVO (Chief Visionary Officer) Wendy Baumann
DISCLAIMER 1. 2025 AEO PARTNERSHIP RECAP- Latestsale.com Federal Reserve Bank commentary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute any Federal Reserve Bank endorsement, advice or financial planning suggestions.
DISCLAIMER 2. 2025 AEO PARTNERSHIP RECAP- Latestsale.com commentary relating to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Thoughts and observations are our own. Federal Reserve Bank personnel’s shared views are not necessarily those of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.