Fact Sheet

Business Initiative$
Fact Sheet

Loaves & Fishes Ministries’ newest program, Business Initiative$, is a business training and technical assistance program for women and men who want to become self-employed by starting their own businesses. BI$ will not teach manufacturing or production skills—in other words, you bring the business idea, specific product skill, passion and motivation to the program. We provide all the knowledge you need to turn that skill into your own legal business.

While owning and operating a small business isn’t for everyone, Business Initiative$ believes that there are women and men who want to start their own businesses, but who need help in achieving that goal. You may be one of those individuals. You might like to start your own business, if you had training in issues like pricing, marketing, financial record-keeping, cash-flow, advertising, legalities, and more. You might want to start your own business if you had help in writing a business plan, if you had an opportunity to get a small business loan, if you had technical assistance and support as your business begins and grows.

If this describes your situation, then Business Initiative$ is your answer.

The program offers:

·	business education/development of the business
·	guest entrepreneurs who will speak about their ownexperiences and answer questions
·	personal development of the business owner
·	microloans to qualified individuals who graduate and are approved—through our own loan pool (HEDCO and CEDF). Loans will average between $1,000 - $5,000
·	technical assistance to entrepreneurs
·	monitoring / loan repayments administration
·	follow-up support meetings

In order to qualify for Business Initiative$, you need to:
            Carefully read and complete materials we will send to you in our self-assessment package.
            Meet with BI$ staff (in person or over the phone) to discuss your business idea.
            Fill out the short form application and return it to BI$ personnel.
            Attend every class during the program (excused absences will be allowed at staff discretion).
            Complete homework on time.
            Bring your passion for your business to class, every week.
           Pay $40.00 fee for entire course.