Advocacy Packet 2017
February 17, 2017

To AEO Members and Friends:
Last year was full of accomplishments for AEO. From our 25 thanniversary celebration at EconoCon25, to our partnership with the Innovative Lending Platform Association, to the release of our groundbreaking report, Reimagining Technical Assistance: Shifting the Support Landscape for Main Street, AEO is improving businesses, communities and economies.

While we continue to make significant progress on many fronts our work cannot stop or slow down. This is where you come in. The first recess of a new Congress is a good opportunity to start AEO’s advocacy with new Members of Congress, and reinforce it with those returning. The recess starts on Friday, February 17th and ends on Friday, February 24th.
To assist you with your advocacy work, AEO has prepared this toolkit and FY2018 Entrepreneurship Funding Update containing all the information you need to be a successful advocate for entrepreneurs and the organizations that support them. This packet includes:
• Policy Ideas to engage your Congressional delegation
• Strategies to reach your Members of Congress; and
• Insider tips for maximizing the impact of your engagement
We are looking forward to another successful year of advocacy on behalf of our nation’s smallest businesses.

Sincerely,
Connie Evans President & CEO