I am writing this letter to share with you an opportunity that I have accepted, to be a part of a business focused training mission in Guatemala.  Enterprise development is an important foundational element for impoverished and emerging economies.  Small business formation is a proven approach to allow people to pull themselves out of poverty by giving them the opportunity to become an entrepreneur.  The entrepreneur creates something that will instill pride and dignity through their business ownership.  Micro-Enterprise has recently received a lot of positive press with the success of organizations like ACCION and KIVA.  Our team’s intention is to serve the people in Guatemala by sharing our business knowledge and delivering a formalized business training program as the first step in the cycle of creating enterprise.

My journey to Guatemala will begin on Wednesday, July 12 and complete on Sunday, July 16.   Our Micro-Enterprise training team will be meeting with 40 pre-selected participants that have been hand selected to be a part of this program.  All participants must be debt free and show a passion and drive for entrepreneurial activities. Our team’s role is to guide them through phase two of a three phase program that overall, lasts approximately 1 year and will fund approximately 6 entrepreneurs with up to $2000 each to start their new business.  In phase two, we will be covering all aspects of their business plan which includes developing a spreadsheet showing start up costs, estimated revenues, and estimated expenses. The participants will have a good idea by the end of the week if their idea is viable and be profitable.

 For the mission, my total cost is $1500, and we are individually responsible for raising our support.  If you would like to join me in this opportunity to reach and train future entrepreneurs, please consider including this trip and these activities in your prayers.  My nature is not to ask for support.  However, I understand that part of the mission is allowing others the opportunity to support this type of ministry as well.  So, if you would like to contribute, you may do so by using the link below.  Donations are tax-deductible and can be made payable to Perimeter, who is training and sending the team.  The target date for support is July 6, but funds can be received through the end of 2017.  If I raise more than 100%, the additional funds will be allocated to the team fund, and, after that, used at the discretion of the Global Outreach Ministry Team.

 Thank you for your consideration.

Donation Link:  https://www.perimeter.org/give/?amount=&campus=MISSION_TRIP&ministry=485_1893_47035&participant=81080&force_ministry=yes