How TOLI's small business education helps entrepreneurs break the cycle of poverty
It’s graduation season here in the US — a perfect time to celebrate TOLI’s newest graduates, too!
So far this year, more than 600 students in poverty-impacted communities have been trained in entrepreneurship through TOLI's Business Basics Course.* In fact, our newest site in Uganda recently hosted our largest-ever single class of 152 students (pictured above). Of those, 104 completed the full training and graduated with certificates. Congratulations, graduates!
Click the video to catch a glimpse of TOLI business training in action around the world.
What is the Business Basics Course? The BBC is a customized, interactive, Biblically-based curriculum, where students learn the practical tools needed to start and manage a small business. They invest time thinking about their goals, dreams, talents, and creative ideas. The BBC is a pivotal piece of TOLI's dignified, sustainable, Christ-centered program.
Throughout training sessions, TOLI field staff and local volunteer leaders engage students through lively group discussions, workbook activities, and even fun skits. Designed for all levels of literacy, content is presented orally, using a question-and-answer format, dramas, hands-on exercises, and games. It's flexible, adaptable, and can be facilitated using the most simple resources. In fact, BBC classes have met in all kinds of environments: churches, community centers, homes, open fields, under tress — even in a banana grove.
“I learned how to effectively manage money by making a good budget to avoid wasting the money I get.” — CHRISTINE, KENYA
What do students learn? The course covers basic business concepts grounded on Biblical principles. The introductory session explores the question of why work matters to God, followed by a time for dreaming and self-discovery. The course then moves to core concepts of business formation and planning (mission statements, goals, marketing, product differentiation) before digging into more detailed skill-building in later sessions (pricing, recordkeeping, budgeting, saving, customer service). Ethics and leadership are also covered.
“I always wanted to start my own business, but I didn’t have the courage– TOLI training gave me the courage.” — SAMIR RAMSES, EGYPT
Who is the course for? The BBC benefits people of nearly every age or level of education. Graduates include teenage single mothers, rural farmers, widows, ex-convicts, people with disabilities, vocational school graduates, grandparents, crafts people, casual laborers, savings group members, trades people, young adult groups, and more.
Most importantly, this powerful course is changing lives — and it is only possible because of your generosity and prayers. Thank you for investing in the growth, goals, and transformation of TOLI's Business Basics graduates.
*TOLI’s BBC is based on an innovative curriculum originally designed by Alternativ Global Entrepreneurs and has been adapted for TOLI’s program with permission.
A bittersweet announcement
After four years as Development Associate, Erin Eilmes — known to so many of you through her thoughtful calls, cards, and prayers — closes her time on staff with TOLI this week. Erin's contributions stretch far beyond her official part-time role caring for donors and assisting with events. Her wisdom, creativity, strategic mind, dedication to excellence, and all-in heart for TOLI's mission have helped shaped this ministry into what it is today. We send her into the next season with our prayers, gratitude and deep hope that she'll continue to contribute to TOLI ... as a volunteer. THANK YOU, ERIN!
(And if you would like to say thanks or share an encouragement or prayer with Erin, click here to send her a quick note!)
A MESSAGE FROM ERIN:
Nearly four years ago, when the Lord opened up the opportunity to work with TOLI, I could have never imagined what that one YES would mean. I have been so incredibly blessed to serve with TOLI — to meet amazing friends, prayer partners, and brothers and sisters in Christ and to witness, first-hand, God’s transforming and redeeming power through this ministry. I am humbled and honored that the Lord invited me into His ministry to work in and through me as part of His plan. I can see so clearly how, for years, He was weaving many of my experiences, studies, and passions together to prepare me for TOLI.
Over the past several months, my husband and I have heard the Lord ask me to “make space.” As we prayed and talked through this, it has become clear that He is asking me to focus on our three teenagers, our small business, and being still and knowing He is God. In no means am I done with TOLI. I will remain involved in prayer and support, TOLI advocacy, and other volunteer opportunities.
Our TOLI clients, field staff, and ministry partners have inspired and encouraged my faith tremendously, and my local TOLI colleagues have taught me so much about co-laboring with the Lord. Together we have sought His guidance in prayer, taken risks, and brought our loaves and fish, trusting He would do the rest. And, He has! What an honor. I am so grateful for this TOLI Family!
With tremendous love and gratitude,
Erin
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." — EPHESIANS 3:20-21
Mark your Calendar
TOLI TUESDAY PRAYER GATHERING
Tuesday June 14 // 12-1pm MT JOIN ON ZOOM: Email Audrey for your link or to join the prayer team for regular reminders and prayer updates.
OR DROP IN at the TOLI office: 5785 N. Union, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
WE'RE HIRING!
The US office is expanding. If you know anyone who'd make a great addition to our ministry team here in Colorado Springs, let us know — and help us spread the word!
CURRENT OPENINGS
> Associate for Stewardship and Engagement
> Administrative Coordinator
For complete details go to www.toli.org/careers.