The MicroEnterprise Development Alliance of Louisiana (MEDAL) is a statewide membership-based organization comprised of individuals, practitioners, organizations, and agencies committed to on-going sustainable economic and human development through the establishment of microenterprises. MEDAL's mission is to build the capacity of microenterprise development organizations and to improve economic prosperity for the people and communities of Louisiana . Because MEDAL serves as Louisiana 's official “statewide microenterprise association” (SMA), - it is imperative that MEDAL takes a broad, system-based approach to remove barriers and change policies that prevent people from accessing: proper training, technical assistance, and access to capital.