Our Approach
Partnership is at the heart of everything we do. Around the world, we partner with locally-led organizations to support business growth and job creation so that people may be equipped to lift themselves—and their families and communities—out of poverty for good.
Transformative Partnerships
Our partners collectively serve hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs. We also partner with over 1,000 volunteer Business Affiliates (BAs) who serve in their own communities and abroad.
The words of Ecclesiastes 4:12 help describe the way we partner together. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Here’s a look at each “strand” of our three-way partnership.
This is our term for our local partners. They are independent, locally owned and led organizations working to end poverty through business in their communities.
These passionate individuals and groups of volunteers collaborate with Local Community Institutions to develop concrete plans, share expertise, and provide financial support and spiritual encouragement.
Our global team is the catalyst for our network. We identify new Local Community Institutions, orient and equip Business Affiliates, facilitate existing and emerging partnerships, and grow our network.
A theory of change explains how lasting impact happens. Ours is built on the belief that business is a holy calling and a powerful tool to end poverty. By forming long-term partnerships, we strengthen local institutions, equip entrepreneurs, and create jobs. This approach breaks cycles of poverty, restores dignity through work, and builds thriving communities.
Activities
In this three-way partnership, we draw on strategic activities that have been developed through years of experience from our global network:
Training
We develop and help implement business training based on biblical principles for micro and small to medium-sized businesses. We use a “train the trainer” approach, allowing local partners to multiply the impact. Through our initiatives and partners, we also offer training on topics including agriculture, technology, resilience, and redemptive business. These trainings are designed to address gaps and barriers in local markets and focus on building skills to identify and implement innovative solutions. The supportive communities formed during training help entrepreneurs stay accountable and build resilience.
Coaching
We foster relationships and expertise to grow strong, resilient local institutions and businesses. We recruit experienced businesspeople and professionals to join and support our global network. Some coaches partner with a particular local community institution to develop concrete plans, share expertise, and provide financial support. Other coaches provide expertise to multiple partners on certain subjects, like agriculture or using AI for business. In the various ways they may serve, each coach provides a supportive relationship and spiritual encouragement for their partners.
Investing
Through Local Community Institutions and strategic partnerships, we provide funds for microloans and loans for small & medium enterprises. We also collaborate with our partners on innovative projects that address financial gaps in underserved markets, aiming to create more efficient and accessible financial systems.
Network Building
We leverage long-term relationships that go beyond individual connections to create collaborative networks. By bringing together multiple partners across regions and countries, we leverage these relationships to enhance value chains, share knowledge, and identify market linkages. This systemic approach enables businesses to scale, access regional & global markets, and build stronger, more resilient communities.