3 Ways Entrepreneurship Education Can Elevate Economically-Challenged Communities

I have believed for a long time that entrepreneurship education could be used as a strategic empowerment tool to lift up those in poverty-stricken communities. I’m very excited to see social entrepreneurship strategies being used all over the world to elevate people and communities out of their financial and social distress. Unfortunately, I don’t often see the same entrepreneurial energy and intentionality utilized here in the United States to help those who are challenged will lack of access to resources and tools that can help create new avenues of economic opportunity.

Entrepreneurship education is just as valid a poverty-smashing solution in urban communities in the U.S. as they are in slums in India or villages in Africa. Even more, when entrepreneurship education is paired with Biblical principles, you have the makings of people who are not just skilled as businesspeople, they also develop the morals and character to operate a business that’s profitable and positively impacts others.

Here are three practical ways entrepreneurship education can elevate economically-challenged communities:

1. Sense of Ownership: Embedded within an entrepreneurial mindset is a sense of ownership. Entrepreneurs who operate businesses within a community usually have a heightened desire to take accountability for what happens in that community, because they know they need that community to succeed if their business is going to be sustainable.
2. Sense of Purpose: Without a revelation of their purpose and significance, people cast off restraint and run wild (Proverbs 29:18 NIV). When people have no sense of purpose, they lose hope and stop caring about themselves and the people around them. Entrepreneurship education helps ignite the purpose in people to pursue something greater than what they may see around them everyday. Entrepreneurship education is an incredible platform to transport people from where they are to their God-ordained destiny.
3. Creative Energy: People in poverty-stricken areas don’t lack creativity, they are just using their creative abilities far below the purpose for which God created them. Entrepreneurship empowerment can help people use their ingenuity beyond just basic survival or even criminal pursuits. Creative energy that wasn’t being used previously or being used for the wrong things are now channeled in a positive, beneficial direction for themselves and others.

We’re on a mission to stimulate the creation of 1 million jobs. If you want to learn more about how we’re using entrepreneurship education to elevate urban and rural communities, check out The (Un)Employment Alternative. We’re raising money right now to bring entrepreneurship education to Cedartown, GA so we can create jobs, restore hope, and revitalize that community. We need your help. Please partner with us today!

What do you think? How can entrepreneurship education help your city or community?

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Fulfill your purpose in the marketplace!

Your true life does not have to be only a dream, it can be a dream manifested in 3D! Learn how to Discover, Define, and Drive your desires by unleashing the God given muse to help you envision yourself in a B.I.G. way. God designed you for greatness so stop dreaming small. Uncover your legacy. Now is the season for a Bold Innovative God-Inspired Life! You owe it to yourself to see just how far your true dream in life can take you.

KBU Partners with Local Community to Launch Innovative Jobs Program

What is The (Un)Employment Alternative?

This is Kingdom Business University’s (KBU) ambitious plan to stimulate the creation of 1 million jobs through faith-based, purpose-centered entrepreneurship education. We are starting in Cedartown, GA. Help us today at www.theunemploymentalternative.com.

The Impact
The vision of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Cedartown, GA – a diverse group including pastors, entrepreneurs, social workers, and city officials – is to use entrepreneurship education as a catalyst to bring social and economic empowerment back to a region that is challenged with crime, unemployment, poverty, and lack of opportunities. They have partnered with Kingdom Business University to provide entrepreneurship classes that will restore hope, launch new businesses, create jobs, and catalyze new opportunities for the unemployed, ex-offenders, and youth who have been unable to find viable work and sustainable income sources.

What We Need & What You Get
Our goal is to raise $2500 on IndieGogo, which will pay for the first 30 participants. The more we raise the more people and can teach. Our desire is to offer this program at a minimal financial cost to the participants, although they will be asked to invest in this opportunity in other ways, such as community service. The amount will go towards:curriculum, facilities, supplies, and other related expenses. Additional funds will also be applied toward establishing a business incubator that will provide on-going support to graduates.

We have some great perks for those who contribute at the $25, $100, and $250 levels. Just look to column on the right side of this page www.theunemploymentalternative.com ▶

Other Ways You Can Help
This project is just the beginning. We aspire to help communities around this country implement their own economic recovery plan. In addition to your donations, help us spread the word. We are more than willing to come to your city, community, or church to talk about this innovative program and how we can create a customized version for your city.

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Fulfill your purpose in the marketplace!

Your true life does not have to be only a dream, it can be a dream manifested in 3D! Learn how to Discover, Define, and Drive your desires by unleashing the God given muse to help you envision yourself in a B.I.G. way. God designed you for greatness so stop dreaming small. Uncover your legacy. Now is the season for a Bold Innovative God-Inspired Life! You owe it to yourself to see just how far your true dream in life can take you.

Kingdom Business University Atlanta Workshop Series Begins March 21!

Choose Your Price for Dream B.I.G. in 3D!

I am very excited to make 2 very “B.I.G.” announcements today. The first is that for a limited time I am selling my book Dream B.I.G. in 3D available for the price you choose to pay. Proceeds from your donations will go towards faith based, purpose centered entrepreneurship training programs for the unemployed, such as S.E.E.D.S. Builders. I am so passionate and committed to seeing people’s lives changed that I’m willing to take this risk. So whether you have $1, $10, or $100, we will gladly accept what you choose to invest in the lives of those who need help the most right now.

My other B.I.G. announcement is that Dream B.I.G. in 3D is now available as an ebook. So whether you have a Kindle, iPad, Nook, Sony, Kobo, or just about anything else, you can get this ebook for only $4.99. Just go to www.dreambigebook.com to order it today and you will be helping to rebuild people, families, and communities through faith based entrepreneurship empowerment.

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 speaks clearly about the incredible benefits of investing your resources into somebody’s life:

“Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

Even if you don’t want it for yourself, purchase this book for someone you know who needs insight into their purpose, encouragement for their journey, or ignition for their passion. Make a B.I.G. difference in somebody’s life today.

Thanks in advance for your support!

Thrive on purpose!

Paul Wilson, Jr.

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Fulfill your purpose in the marketplace!

Your true life does not have to be only a dream, it can be a dream manifested in 3D! Learn how to Discover, Define, and Drive your desires by unleashing the God given muse to help you envision yourself in a B.I.G. way. God designed you for greatness so stop dreaming small. Uncover your legacy. Now is the season for a Bold Innovative God-Inspired Life! You owe it to yourself to see just how far your true dream in life can take you.

If you are looking for purpose in your life and life in your purpose, this is the perfect book for you. Get your copy today at www.DreamBIGin3D.com.

Martin Luther King Jr – Time to Break the Silence

As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday today and the National Day of Service tomorrow in his honor, this video describes some of the “revolutionary” ideas he had toward the end of his life… which is probably what ultimately got him killed. He was willing to die for what he believed in. Are you?

“The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who in times of great moral crises maintain their neutrality” ~ Dante Alighieri

Thrive on purpose!

Paul Wilson, Jr.

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Fulfill your purpose in the marketplace!

Your true life does not have to be only a dream, it can be a dream manifested in 3D! Learn how to Discover, Define, and Drive your desires by unleashing the God given muse to help you envision yourself in a B.I.G. way. God designed you for greatness so stop dreaming small. Uncover your legacy. Now is the season for a Bold Innovative God-Inspired Life! You owe it to yourself to see just how far your true dream in life can take you.

If you are looking for purpose in your life and life in your purpose, this is the perfect book for you. Get your copy today at www.DreamBIGin3D.com.

What Would Jesus Occupy?

Last week Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council in Washington, wrote an op-ed piece on CNN.com, entitled My Take: Jesus was a Free Marketer Not an Occupier. While I agree with some of his points about how Jesus’ parable in Luke 19 relates to a free market economy, Jesus also emphatically confronted those with power and influence who were greedy and took advantage of the less fortunate. One example is the account of how he dealt with the cheating businessmen, also found in Luke 19.

So whose side does Jesus really stand on, the 1% or the 99%? I believe we can find a clue in Joshua 3:13-15. Joshua was about the lead the nation of Israel into a battle with Jericho when he has an interesting encounter with someone whose affiliation and intentions are not initially obvious…

“When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” ~ Joshua 3:13-14

From this example, we can see that God has an  approach to our situations that exceeds our human understanding, perspectives, and agendas (Isaiah 55:8-9). I believe Jesus would probably have some choice words for “Free Marketers” and “Occupiers”. He would challenge the Free Marketers to make money, but not to serve it. Instead they should their money to serve God’s purposes, which would include “helping widows and orphans” (James 1:27).

He would also challenge the Occupiers to appreciate and maximize what they have, just like the little boy with the small lunch of two fish and five loaves of bread (Mark 6:41). Contentment and thankfulness create an environment for God’s grace to provide more than enough for you and those you want to impact (Philippians 4:19).

The truth is Jesus died for the in the 1% and the in the 99%. He cares more about both of our eternal destinies then our earthly differences. However, he will use our earthly differences as learning and growing opportunities to get us closer to realizing our eternal destinies.

What are your thoughts? Which side do you think Jesus stands on, the 1% or the 99%?

Thrive on purpose!

Paul Wilson, Jr.

*******************

Fulfill your purpose in the marketplace!

Your true life does not have to be only a dream, it can be a dream manifested in 3D! Learn how to Discover, Define, and Drive your desires by unleashing the God given muse to help you envision yourself in a B.I.G. way. God designed you for greatness so stop dreaming small. Uncover your legacy. Now is the season for a Bold Innovative God-Inspired Life! You owe it to yourself to see just how far your true dream in life can take you.

If you are looking for purpose in your life and life in your purpose, this is the perfect book for you. Get your copy today at www.DreamBIGin3D.com.

The Higher Calling of Your Work

Work as a transformational life force? Listen to how Goodwill CEO Doug Barr discusses the impact that the workplace – with the right environment and the right people – can have a major impact on the quality of one’s life.

Have you thought about how your work can be a transformational agent in someone’s life?

Thrive on purpose!

Paul Wilson, Jr.

*******************

Fulfill your purpose in the marketplace!

Your true life does not have to be only a dream, it can be a dream manifested in 3D! Learn how to Discover, Define, and Drive your desires by unleashing the God given muse to help you envision yourself in a B.I.G. way. God designed you for greatness so stop dreaming small. Uncover your legacy. Now is the season for a Bold Innovative God-Inspired Life! You owe it to yourself to see just how far your true dream in life can take you.

If you are looking for purpose in your life and life in your purpose, this is the perfect book for you. Get your copy today at www.DreamBIGin3D.com.

Redeeming Capitalism

My latest article in Brotha Online Magazine, entitled “Redeeming Capitalism” is now available. Here is an excerpt…

For many people it is easy to blame capitalism for our current economic environment. The truth is capitalism is not evil and it’s not what caused this economic crisis. What caused this financial mess are the people who immorally and unethically used the free enterprise system for their own benefit without regard for who they would get hurt in the process. So don’t blame the system. Blame those who hijacked the system for their own devious pleasures.

Admittedly, capitalism is not a perfect economic system. However, even with all of its flaws, this competitive market system provides many benefits to those in our society. It creates an environment for innovation, productivity, creative expression, price/cost competition, collaborative solutions, and resource multiplication and distribution.

Unfortunately, like with most things in our society, people have taken something that can be used for good and used it for their own selfish vices. Misuse and abuse driven by greed has turned what should be used for constructive purposes into something destructive.

Moderation is something humans don’t do well without divine intervention. Over-indulgence is something we more easily gravitate towards. Fortunately there is hope for us. I believe capitalism can be redeemed by those with a Biblical worldview and a willingness to do business God’s way.

Click here to read the entire article…

Thrive on purpose!
Paul Wilson, Jr.

*******************

Fulfill your purpose in the marketplace!

Your true life does not have to be only a dream, it can be a dream manifested in 3D! Learn how to Discover, Define, and Drive your desires by unleashing the God given muse to help you envision yourself in a B.I.G. way. God designed you for greatness so stop dreaming small. Uncover your legacy. Now is the season for a Bold Innovative God-Inspired Life! You owe it to yourself to see just how far your true dream in life can take you.

If you are looking for purpose in your life and life in your purpose, this is the perfect book for you. Get your copy today at www.DreamBIGin3D.com.

The MonuMENTAL Experience Leadership Interview

The MonuMENTAL Experience youth and young adult mobile learning workshop to Washington, DC to celebrate the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. monument will take place August 27th – 29th October 15th-17th on buses departing from Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. For more information go to www.mobileayes.com.

The MonuMENTAL Experience Leadership Interview, posted with vodpod

Thrive on purpose!
Paul Wilson, Jr.

*******************

Fulfill your purpose in the marketplace!

Your true life does not have to be only a dream, it can be a dream manifested in 3D! Learn how to Discover, Define, and Drive your desires by unleashing the God given muse to help you envision yourself in a B.I.G. way. God designed you for greatness so stop dreaming small. Uncover your legacy. Now is the season for a Bold Innovative God-Inspired Life! You owe it to yourself to see just how far your true dream in life can take you.

If you are looking for purpose in your life and life in your purpose, this is the perfect book for you. Get your copy today at www.DreamBIGin3D.com.

Georgia Youth Preparing for The MonuMENTAL Experience

I am so excited to be a part of a new group of young community innovators who are making some major things happen in the youth and young adult communities in Georgia and the U.S. This group is called “MobileAyes“, which is a is a collaborative multimedia platform of inspirational content produced to  educate and mobilize youth and young adults for uplifting local community engagement. Our first event is at the end of August, when we will take a group of young people from Atlanta and Savannah to the MLK Memorial celebration August 27-29. Check out the story below of our press conference with the mayor of Savannah, Georgia.

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(Click to watch video)

Local Community Leaders Celebrate & Support Upcoming Youth Journey to Washington DC

Savannah, GA — On Wednesday, July 27th at 1:00 PM, Savannah civic and faith community leaders will gather together at City Hall. The gathering will include a press conference to highlight a planned bus expedition, scheduled for August 27th-29th that will guide youth and young adults on a transformative journey from Savannah to Washington, DC. The trip features the Dedication Ceremony of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on Sunday, August 28th and tours of monuments to the American people and our federal government. This hands-on civic “mobile learning” experience will allow the emerging leaders of Savannah to celebrate with our nation and recognize the powerful legacy of an extraordinary Georgia-born citizen. The youth and young adults on the journey will represent the broad spectrum of our community across interfaith, multicultural and multi-ethnic lines. Our shared stories will lay a solid foundation of friendships to build understanding and a healthy future for the City of Savannah.

Many Savannah-based leaders and organizations have affirmed their presence at the press conference which will include: Office of the Mayor Otis Johnson, Chatham County Commission, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, A. Phillip Ralph Institute, First African Baptist Church, Roman Diocese of Savannah, and many other community representatives.

The Journey to Washington will consist of “mobile” MonuMENTAL interactive learning experience, allowing participants to engage the legacy, history and accomplishments of the American Civil Rights Movement. In addition, youth will create conversations that capture key issues impacting the development of youth and young adults within our community (jobs, entrepreneurship, knowledge economy, education, community health & wellness, and technology) as we begin to craft a comprehensive vision for responsible progress.

Additional details about the upcoming youth and young adults journey will be provided during the press conference by trip organizers YouthUniverse and The H.O.P.E. Institute.

For more information or to schedule interviews about the MonuMENTAL Experience, visit www.mobileayes.com or contact Mr. Dwayne Marshall at (678) 576-4834 or via email at dwayne.a.marshall@gmail.com.

“This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.”
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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