The Abilities Fund is pleased to announce its selection as a Local Partner for the 2006 Women and Company® Microenterprise Boost Program. Through this program, The Abilities Fund will have an opportunity to award $500 to $2,500 cash equity awards to at least five women microentrepreneurs. The Abilities Fund is one of only fifteen Local Partners chosen for this nationwide program.

"Women and Company® is proud to participate in this program because we believe all women should have the opportunity to achieve their financial goals," said Lisa Caputo, President and CEO, Women and Company®. "More and more women are finding they can begin to achieve financial independence by starting their own businesses, and these grants can have a practical and immediate impact as they strive to grow these businesses."

The Women and Company® Microenterprise Boost Program is designed to provide low- and moderate-income women microentrepreneurs the opportunity to achieve greater business success by providing cash awards that will have a measurable impact on the development of their business.

The Abilities Fund served as a Local Partner for the 2005 Women and Company® Microenterprise Boost Program and awarded $1,000 equity awards to nine women microentrepreneurs nationally.

"Thanks to Citigroup and Women and Company® The Abilities Fund can provide training and technical assistance and access to capital for selected women entrepreneurs. The Women and Company® Microenterprise Boost Program provides valuable resources needed to achieve business goals," said Patti Lind, Executive Director, The Abilities Fund.

*This opportunity is available to clients that have received technical assistance through the Abilities Fund or other local microenterprise partners. The selection process is limited to current or former clients and is not an open call for proposals.*