START-UP FUNDING – HOW TO?

Business is a key for getting workers into some of the most unreached places in the world.  Cities, countries, which are inaccessible to mission work, Christian NGOs, and Christian charities are open to business.  One of the greatest needs of those seeking to start businesses in unreached areas is start-up capital.  Most of these businesses need roughly $50,000 to $100,000 to get started.

Yet there’s a common saying that only family, friends and fools invest in start-ups.  Who wishes to invest when there’s maybe just a 50/50 chance of turning a profit and getting your money back?

Each business in the OPEN Network is striving to be profitable money AND engage the local people with the Good News.  But without start-up funding, how are the unreached to be reached?  The hardest places are not appealing to investors as these businesses incur to heavy government regulation, a lack of local business infrastructure, poor transportation for goods and services, and corruption.

More and more people want to invest in businesses and not give.  I understand the need to be good stewards of our funds, but without some donations, or a revolving start-up fund for new B4T efforts how are apostolic entrepreneurs to forge ahead?  How are these unengaged people to be reached for His glory? I look forward to peoples’ input.

PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for over 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.