The association is comprised of an eclectic group of government officials, directors of small business development centers, and academics in fields such as finance, marketing, management, and economics united by their common interest in entrepreneurship and small business.

As leaders in their fields, they are making an impact on government policy and on the development of small business and entrepreneurship. USASBE's forward-looking members are determined to remain on the cutting edge of research by extending the field of knowledge and shaping entrepreneurial thinking.*

The Coleman Foundation made the first grant to USASBE in 1992. Initial grants were awarded to provide a $1000 award to the best white paper on entrepreneurship, which were presented at the national conference. In 1997, the Foundation began supporting USASBE to grow the organization and extend its influence across the country. The organization goal is to become the lead resource for disseminating entrepreneurship education and research.

USASBE hosts an annual national entrepreneurship and small business conference and provides educational resources for their members. The next conference will be held January 2009. For more information about the organization or conference, please visit their website at www.usasbe.org.

*source www.usasabe.org

During the 2007 USASBE Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, the Coleman Foundation announced 14 grants totaling $66,000 to advance entrepreneurship education at community colleges and small four-year schools. The Foundation received proposals from 60 schools, and heard “elevator pitches” from 31 selected to present to the Foundation’s board. The elevator pitch consisted of three minute presentations followed by brief questions. The format is based upon a popular model used in entrepreneurship education to teach students how to articulate their business ideas in a concise and compelling manner. Funded schools included ten community colleges and four small teaching colleges. The grants funded are included in a listing in the Grant Archives - 2007 on the Recent Grants page for your viewing.

The John E. and Jeanne T. Hughes Charitable Foundation also participated in the event awarding grants to five community colleges and three small teaching colleges.