Microcredit, made popular by the success of the Gramen Bank in Bangladesh, has been promoted as an effective grassroots tool for createing financial opportunities and spurring grassroots entrepreneurship in inner-city areas. Nitin Bahatt"s insightful analysis of microcredit programs in the United States show that while intentions have been good, the results have been less than expected. This book takes a fresh look at the systemic roots of the challenges confronting microdcredit programs, asking tough questions about operational efficiency and financial viability. Bhatt"s innovative, realistic recommendations for improving the performance of microcredit programas offer new possibilities for supporting and nurturing inner-city entrepreneurship.