“For every 1% increase in entrepreneurship, there is a 2% decline in the poverty rate.”
Stephen Slivinski, Goldwater Institute
We believe that the gospel of God’s Kingdom carries the power to transform lives. Our goal is to provide the help needed to move both individuals and communities into long-term sustainability, not dependence upon any outside source.
One of the primary ways that we accomplish this goal is through our various Skills and Business Development courses.
Each course has three stages:
one: rescue
Impact Nations has trained over 500 of some of the most vulnerable members of society since 2008.
Whether it be pregnant teenagers on the streets of Uganda, gang members facing a life of violence and crime, widows struggling to make it in India, girls at risk of being trafficked from Nepal, or prostitutes in Kenya with no other way to feed their children, Impact Nations is bringing hope to the hopeless.
In many cases, we are able to provide a safe place for women to escape the streets or an abuser. We provide ongoing counseling and introduce them to a life in Christ. One of our founding board members, Christina Stewart, provides retreats in which these women are able to discover that they are loved by God and He has made them for a purpose.
When they begin, most of our students have very little education, and many can’t read or write.
Our curriculum is designed to provide them with marketable skills that will fill them with confidence and help them find employment. Our skills development programs include sewing, hairdressing, soap making, catering, party decorating, graphic design, web development, and more.
Using curriculum provided by our partners, Alternativ, we incorporate basic business training into our skills development programs. This curriculum was specifically designed for use in the developing world among those with limited literacy. Students learn important principles such as market research, personal savings, and budgeting.
two: restore
three: release
Upon graduation, many of our students receive a small loan so that they can pursue their dream of becoming fully self-sufficient.
Our basic business curriculum equips students to prepare a simple business plan that considers their target market, competition, projected expenses and revenue, etc. Small loans are granted once a student has completed their business plan.
Others enter the job market, fully trained with a specific skill, carrying a newfound confidence that has come from job placement opportunities during their training. Some of our training programs include small businesses that are able to provide employment for a few of the graduates.
Whether they are starting their own business, seeking employment, or even returning to a formal education, graduates continue to receive ongoing coaching and encouragement. We are seeing stories of desperation turn into stories of inspiration!
Example Projects
Elevate Computer Training
The Elevate Training Program just finished. Their final report is an inspiring example of the impact that Skills and Business Training has on youth in poverty
"...our young people are completely transformed, empowered, filled with confidence and ready to start their careers that will transform their lives, families and communities.”
Click here to read the full report.
School of Purpose
"The girls that joined the school of purpose this year came in broken, lost, alone, pregnant, rejected... After completing the course, we are seeing girls starting businesses, supporting their families and children.
We have witnessed the miracle of girls giving their lives to Jesus and a great change of personalities and attitude. Thank you for continuously being part of this exciting project.
We hope that you will be encouraged by this report, just as much as we have been!”
Click here to read the full report.
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