IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY FOR MICRO-BUSINESSES

Start Small Think Big (SSTB) is a legal and financial technical assistance provider for micro-businesses in disadvantaged New York City neighborhoods. SSTB's mission is to help low- to moderate-income individuals build and sustain thriving businesses to increase personal financial security and stimulate economic activity. SSTB engaged a Capstone team in evaluating its technical assistance services, effects on business owners, and overall outcomes. The team conducted a program review, in-depth interviews, and data collection. By quantifying and refining a traditional business valuation model, the Capstone team identified areas of changes and growth receptive to SSTB technical assistance intervention. The refinement of the valuation model, research results, and report provided clarity and narrowed down tangible program inputs and effects from a diverse set of services, resulting in targeted grant requests for SSTB. The team's research supports SSTB by illuminating which combination of services and areas of technical assistance can produce positive outcomes for micro-businesses in New York City.