MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of First Step Fund (FSF) is to foster economic self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship training, access to capital, and ongoing support. OVERVIEW Recognizing microenterprise development as a successful poverty-elimination strategy in developing countries, FSF was established in 1993 to implement this model in Kansas City. A microenterprise is defined as a business that requires $35,000 or less in start up capital and employs five or fewer people. **Ours is the only organization in Kansas City that works exclusively with individuals with low to moderate incomes who wish to pursue a microenterprise as their principle or supplementary source of family income. Although we do not view microenterprise development (self-employment) as a panacea for all individuals in poverty, it is a viable option for those with the drive to succeed. **Since 1993, we have trained more than 1,400 individuals to develop a microenterprise and assisted them with more than 700 small businesses. In our 2006-2007 Graduate Survey, we demonstrated that of those not in business or in the early start up phase at enrollment (74%), 44% are now in business. Of those who were in business at enrollment (26%), 81% are still in business. More than 310 FSF graduate businesses employ an additional 260 individuals and generate annual net profits in excess of $2 million.