For the past five years, CBN Israel has been partnering with Israel Firstfruits for the purpose of developing believing business entrepreneurs for the market place in Israel. God has given His people Israel a mandate to be a light and and a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:3). One way that this is being accomplished is by expanding His influence through believers in the marketplace.
Each year, the two organizations work together to train believing entrepreneurs in both business and character through a six month course. Experienced, educated believers, both local and international, come to share their knowledge with the students.
In the course’s “grand finale”, the students are coached in creating a business plan which they can then present at the annual Israel Business Forum. The Forum is a highlight event where investors, entrepreneurs and advisers come from around the globe to connect with Israeli believers for the purpose of expanding God’s kingdom through business relationships. First, second and third place winners of the business competition will receive an investment towards launching their business venture.
In September of 2015, Matthias and Tabea Oppliger were among the three winners of the business competition. With the money invested to them, they opened a social business in Tel-Aviv, Israel called A.I.R. an acronym meaning, Act. Inspire. Restore. A.I.R. employs victims of the sex trafficking industry, helping them to come off the streets and reintegrate into society with newly acquired skills such as wood working. Read more about the great work of A.I.R.
In September of 2016, Helen and Eldad Sagi received first place in the business competition and has since started Lily Pops, a business in producing organic popsicles. Lilly Pops is currently advancing towards a larger space and equipment for mass production. Anyone who has ever tasted one of these memorable treats knows it won’t be long before these pops are in high demand.
The students of this year’s business course are gearing up for the 2017 Israel Business Forum where three winners will be chosen for investment in their business venture. If you are an investor or an entrepreneur looking to connect with marketplace believers in Israel, come join us this year in Jerusalem!
This article originally appeared on CBN Israel, July 2, 2017, and reposted with permission.