From poverty to business owner.

• Position: Statestats

What kind of business can you start with a loan of less than $25,000? Two million Americans can give you an answer from personal experience. That's the estimated number of microentrepreneurs currently running their own businesses in this country, often out of their homes. And once they were poor.

With the help of more than 600 different development programs spread throughout the 50 states, microentrepreneurs work in all kinds of businesses, including jewelry; arts, crafts and gifts; clothing and textiles; furniture; computer technology; day care; recycling; taxi service; street vending; in-home catering and food preparation; nail care; and hair braiding. Although the term "microentrepreneur" can apply to anyone starting a small business, the majority of state development programs target those at or below 150 percent of the poverty line ($27,600 for a family of four).

Successful microenterprises benefit not only the individual owners, they also help states through savings in welfare costs. At least half of the mini-businesses are successful. A five-year study by the Aspen Institute found that 78 percent made money, and 53 percent of those involved worked their way out of poverty.

HELPING LOW-INCOME ENTREPRENEURS The majority of assistance comes from private nonprofit organizations, but state and federal governments are becoming more involved. The programs provide loans, as well as business education, training and support services. Number of Programs per States Programs 1,000 people Alabama 5 1.1 Alaska 5 7.8 Arizona 5 0.9 Arkansas 5 1.8 California 68 1.9 Colorado 13 2.9 Connecticut 12 3.5 D.C. 20 35.1 Delaware 3 3.7 Florida 21 1.3 Georgia 22 2.6 Hawaii 5 4.0 Idaho 3 2.2 Illinois 20 1.6 Indiana 7 1.1 Iowa 5 1.7 Kansas 5 1.8 Kentucky 7 1.7 Louisiana 7 1.6 Maine 20 15.5 Maryland 11 2.0 Massachusetts 34 5.3 Michigan 16 1.6 Minnesota 21...