Enterprise Development
Creating an environment that fosters the development and growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and microentrepreneurs is as important as the provision of firm-level assistance. These enterprises need access to a strong support infrastructure to succeed. Connecting SMEs and microenterprises (including those involved in the informal economy) to industry clusters and value chains is critical, but this can be challenging when access to conventional forms of capital, technology, business services and markets are elusive and networks are weak.
Kingslow Associates is interested in increasing opportunities for SMEs and microentrepreneurs (especially BIPOC-owned enterprises) and helping specialized organizations, such as two-year colleges, anchor institutions, community-based organizations and development intermediaries, develop creative ways to support them. We provide technical assistance, assessments and evaluation services to organizations working to advance economic development through impact investments, industry clusters and capacity building strategies.
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Selected Projects
Capital Access for BIPOC-Owned and -Led Enterprises
Client: Revolve Fund
Conducting developmental and formative evaluation of Revolve Fund, which is addressing inequities in small business development systems by expanding access to capital for small businesses, CDFIs and venture funds owned by or serving people of color. Currently at $3 million and growing, it provides interest-free, recoverable grants that enterprises repay if and when milestones are met. Revolve's pooled funding model is capitalized by grants from impact investors and foundations. As such, it is demonstrating new ways of using philanthropic resources to provide capital to small enterprises. The evaluation has included baseline analysis, process documentation, assessments of qualitative and preliminary investment outcomes and formative input.
Strengthening Small Business Technical Assistance Networks
Client: Annie E. Casey Foundation
Evaluation of the Baltimore Small Business Support Fund, a network-based model to build the capacity of community development financial institutions and small business development organizations to deliver high-quality technical assistance and supports to small businesses, particularly BIPOC-owned enterprises. The initiative leveraged funding from national and local foundations and incentivized changes in small business development policies and funding.
Leveraging Public Funds for Equitable Community Investments
Client: Maryland Community Investment Initiative
Conducted a landscape analysis as part of the design and development of an initiative to expand the capacity of local and statewide stakeholders to secure and administer public funding. The purpose is to increase investment in marginalized communities, improve social and economic outcomes and build the nonprofit infrastructure. Examined capacity issues affecting public and nonprofit organizations, the role of intermediaries and impact investors and technical assistance networks.
Industry Cluster Analysis in Rural Areas
Client: Regional Technology Strategies
Conducted a study of industrial concentration in two regions to assess the nature and structure of industry clusters and the economic impact of agglomeration on regional economies. Examined the houseboat-building cluster in rural Kentucky to understand how clusters evolve and expand and the advantages inherent in small clusters. Examined the vehicle manufacturing industry in Tennessee to assess the extent of cluster spillover into less developed areas. Funded by Tennessee Valley Authority, Rural Studies Center.
Analysis of Marketing Strategies for Microenterprise Intermediaries
Client: Ms. Foundation for Women
Assessed innovative marketing, sector and value-added approaches emerging from a microenterprise marketing project of the Ms. Foundation's Fund for Women's Economic Development, a collection of grantees engaged in microenterprise development as both a job creation and self-employment strategy. Examined market expansion strategies in specific sectors, including textiles, arts and crafts and food services.
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