About the Initiative

Entrepreneurial Support Network 
The Entrepreneurship Initiative (EI) will build a network of Christian professionals from within Redeemer’s congregation and its friends who can provide business, industry, or skill-specific expertise to support entrepreneurs (such as professionals in strategy, business development, operations, finance, marketing and advertising, technology, or law). These individuals will have many years of experience within their respective fields. The network will provide a community for entrepreneurs, for the exchange of best practices and lessons learned from their experiences and to engage new entrepreneurs with supporting professionals.

Eventually, the EI will launch an Incubator to help advise, serve, and fund a select pool of entrepreneurs in launching their ventures. The coaches and consulting teams will assess the needs of the candidate and devise a customized strategy for the successful launch of the venture after the incubation period.
 

Theological Foundations
The program will leverage the teaching materials of Redeemer to ensure that candidates have a firm theological foundation and that biblical principles are integrated throughout their ventures. The EI will provide classes for the EI community which address areas of leadership, cultural renewal, theology of work, the gospel and the city, spiritual health, and calling.  Business Plan Competition winners and Incubator candidates will have one-on-one time with members of Redeemer’s pastoral staff to review their business plans for assistance in integrating gospel-based principles into their venture. Additionally, the EI’s prayer teams will pray for the needs of the candidate as they work to launch their city-changing venture.


Access to Capital
The EI will also create a network of individuals interested in financial contribution through donation, investment, or loan, to the creation of socially and culturally redeeming ventures. These individuals will assist in the juries of the EI business plan competitions and in the selection process of Incubator candidates. Candidates will regularly update the investor network on the progress of their venture and assistance will be provided in preparing for such meetings.