California Association for Microenterprise Opportunity

What it reported doing in 2024

California association for microenterprise opportunity ("cameo") is an association of organizations, agencies, and individuals dedicated to furthering micro enterprise development in California and nationally. Cameo was formed in California in 1993 as a public benefit corporation. Cameo's mission is to increase opportunities for low-income people and communities by building capacity for micro enterprise organizations. Cameo builds capacity of practitioner organizations to better meet customer needs and improve the working environment for micro enterprise by educating the public and advocating on behalf of micro enterprise development.cameo expands resources and builds capacity for its member organizations who are providing entrepreneurs with small business training, business financing and technical assistance - coaching, capital assistance and networking. Cameo advocates for public policies that support the business sector and builds public awareness of its economic impacts through the following program categories: capacity building cameo builds industry capacity so that underserved entrepreneurs have access to the tools and support they need to thrive. This includes safe, flexible small business capital; culturally competent small business development services, resources, and referrals; and a professional industry and ecosystem that can respond to community context and local needs.community building cameo focuses on building community so that entrepreneurs can more easily navigate their local small business ecosystems to find the support and solutions they need. Cameo aims to ensure that local services are trusted, community-focused, high-quality, and aligned with industry standards. Cameo's goal is for entrepreneurs to feel supported by a collaborative service network that is genuinely invested in their long-term success.build power cameo builds power to ensure entrepreneurs are represented and supported in meaningful ways. This includes amplifying their voices in policy debates that affect their ability to start and grow businesses, fostering a collaborative service network that advocates for equitable and accessible small business ownership, and ensuring that policymakers recognize the vital role entrepreneurs play in the economy and prioritize their needs accordingly.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 79.4%; rating input score 79
• Program expense ratio: 81.3%; rating input score 81
• Fundraising efficiency: $24.29 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 64; 64th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 92.9%; rating input score 93; 13th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 3 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 50
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Pass
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 59.2%; rating input score 59; 17th percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 93.3%; rating input score 93; 24th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 3.7%; rating input score 47; 47th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.33; rating input score 47; 47th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.49; rating input score 22; 22nd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 16.5%; rating input score 16; 16th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 31.5% per year; rating input score 100; 93rd percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 29.9% per year; rating input score 100; 94th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 32% per year; rating input score 100; 94th percentile among comparable filings