Microloans are a valuable tool in stimulating local economies through economic growth and job creation, says ACCION USA's 2009 MicroTest impact study, conducted in partnership wtih the Aspen Institute's FIELD program. This round of Microtest findings are especially significant as they demonstrate how U.S. microloan recipients have fared from the onset of the financial crisis in 2008 through its peak in 2009.  Key study findings include:

• Microloans contribute to job creation: Each loan that ACCION USA provides contributes to the creation or retention of 2.4 jobs (not including that of the borrower), predominantly in low-to-moderate income communities.
• Microloans help increase wages in low-to-moderate income communities: The median hourly wage provided by businesses owned by ACCION USA borrowers ($9 an hour) is 24% higher than the federal minimum wage.
• Microloans contribute to increased business survival: 98% of existing businesses were still in business by year-end 2008 (compared to a national average of 70%).

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