PPEP Microbusiness and Housing Development Corporation (PMHDC) has been selected by the eBay Foundation as a partner in its Techquity (technology + equity) Program. The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) manages the program, which aims to bolster local businesses with new technology by providing entrepreneurs with cash awards ranging from $500 to $1600 enabling them to purchase technology essential to their business.

"The Techquity Program makes it possible for low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs to purchase much needed technology such as software, printers, laptops and more to help them compete in today's economy," says Irene Wong, executive director and CEO of the eBay Foundation.

Amy McKenna Luz, CEO of AEO said, "PMHDC is one of five new partners selected for this unique program that helps bridge the digital divide for entrepreneurs." This is the second year for the Techquity Program; four partners were selected last year.

A member of AEO, PPEP Microbusiness and Housing Development Corporation will select Techquity award recipients in Douglas, Nogales, Tucson and in San Luis, Arizona and hopes to present at least 30 awards this year. The program expands PMHDC's purpose of helping these communities smallest businesses succeed. PMHDC for the past 20 years has provided credit and technical assistance to hundreds of "micro" entrepreneurs in the rural areas of Arizona.

In addition to the equity to local business owners, the Techquity Program also provides a $30,000 grant to the selected partners to help them improve their existing technology and increase their capacity to offer technology training to entrepreneurs.

"This is an excellent opportunity for our low-income family micro entrepreneurs to improve their technology and use it to open doors for their products worldwide, thereby being part of today's enterprises that will provide tomorrow's jobs in our rural communities," stated John D. Arnold, CEO and Founder for PPEP.

PMHDC serves the border communities of Douglas, Nogales and San Luis and the rural communities of Pima and Pinal counties. The Micro Loan Fund continues to provide loans to families who operate a small enterprise in these rural communities. Last year, the loan fund approved over 63 families with their working capital needs in these targeted communities. Technical assistance then becomes a critical part of the overall program which includes classes in computer technology and business management.

PMHDC's MICRO's mission is to build communities of opportunity by developing and strengthening low to moderate income families and their enterprises. PMHDC's website is www.azsmallbusinesslOafls.cOm

EBay Foundation was established by eBay, Inc. in 1998 as a way to give back. Today, the Foundation works to improve the social and economic well-being of communities by partnering with leading non-profit organizations. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed over $12 million to non-profit organizations worldwide. To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.ebay.com/foundation.

The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) supports the development of strong and effective U.S. microenterprise initiatives to assist underserved entrepreneurs in starting, stabilizing and expanding businesses. Founded in 1991, AEO is a nonprofit organization based in Arlington, VA. To learn more about microenterprise or AEO, please visit our website at www.microenterpriseworks.org.