Findings on Policy Context:

The following publications, all authored by the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) document and analyze current TANF laws and policies relating to self-employment.

Microenterprise Development and Self-Employment for TANF Recipients: State Experiences and Issues in TANF Reauthorization (PDF)
This report by the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) provides a detailed discussion of policy recommendations that would strengthen the ability of states to support self-employment and microenterprise development as an option for TANF recipients. Based on detailed site visits to four of the grantee organizations, as well as case studies that document formal TANF policies in the nine states where the grantees are located, the publication provides a clear discussion of the issues and barriers that exist in current law, and how these might be addressed as Congress moves to reauthorize the TANF law. (Published 4/02)

Key State TANF Policies Affecting Microenterprise
This series of case studies documents the TANF policy environment in nine states where the microenterprise demonstration programs operated. Each case study can be downloaded separately: California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon. (Published 10/02)

Developing Policies to Support Microenterprise in the TANF Structure, A Guide to the Law (PDF)
In this report, prepared by the Center for Law and Social Policy, states seeking to provide support for microenterprise initiatives under TANF will find advice on how to overcome potential barriers and challenges presented by federal requirements. (11/99)