Introducing Network Membership

 Research shows a clear interest and need for a comprehensive internet resource to assist microenterprise start up.  However, to provide an effective internet resource to serve the poor,  we need the help of established agencies to introduce Aid for Trade to their field workers and/or partners in developing countries.

Membership of the Christian Microenterprise Association is open to any Christian agency or individuals supporting our vision of helping the poor in developing countries to generate income and create new jobs in microenterprise.  Membership will be free, at least until the end of 2009.

Aid for Trade resource offers mission and charity agencies the opportunity to serve the poor in a holistic manner – being good news as well as telling the Good News

Benefits of Membership 

1. Access via one website, for field workers, church planters, church leaders and entrepreneurs in        developing countries, to the widest possible range of  relevant free support resources, for high integrity micro business start up and management – as piloted on www.aidfortrade.org.uk .

2. Contribute to and benefit from a pool of practical Christian experience in microenterprise and ethical trade development to help serve the poor. 

3. A strong representative association will have increased power of advocacy with regional and       national bodies and with funding agencies

4. Regular emailed newsletters and an annual members conference will be planned.

5. Other benefits such as collaborative market access, provision of group training programmes and micro business consultancy may be developed as services

6. It is intended to develop partnership with established microcredit agencies to assist access to start up funds and a scheme will be developed for on line applications for funding support

7. Members will be invited to be represented on a Steering Group meeting three times per year

Obligations of Membership

2. As an aid to reducing corruption, members will endorse and encourage adoption of ‘Guidelines for High Integrity Micro business’, which will be based on a Biblical Christian ethic

3. Members will make available detail of successful microenterprises they have helped or are engaged in, for possible featuring on our website to benefit others, with appropriate proprietary protection.  There will be potential for replication by a simple micro-franchising scheme providing a modest financial return to the franchisor.

4. Members will as far as possible attend the  annual conference and AGM

5. It will be very much appreciated if members could consider proposing a representative to join the Steering Group, which will meet three times per year or as necessary

Network Structure