Economic development is a big part of our model in lifting a community out of poverty when it comes to sustainability.  Our goal while working in a community is to set them on a trajectory to grow much further than just while we are working in the community. 

Implementing our economic development programs, such as Business Startup Training, Foundations for Farming, HOPE savings groups ministry, and livestock distributions, is key to this goal.  We have customized curriculums used in these trainings that teach biblical principles around empowerment and resourcefulness. We work closely with strategic partners such as HOPE International (Savings Groups) to make these programs successful.

Many Leadership Council (LC) members are participants in the economic development trainings and programs that we offer in our communities.  As leaders in their community, they are expected to manage the details of the development projects being executed and to be good examples of productive community members.  We want them trained in areas that will help with those requirements.  They also help our 410 Bridge in-country staff with logistics in the community and identifying class participants that will benefit the most in participating in these programs.

For any 410 Bridge economic development program, the community is expected to participate in the implementation.  Obviously, all class participants are from the community and invested in the training.  They are giving their time and depending on the program, they are expected to invest financially. 

For example, in our Business Startup training, we do not provide seed money to help them start a business.  Also, within our livestock distribution program, the beneficiary of an animal is required to give the firstborn to another community member.