SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (SBDI)

The Small Business Development Initiative provides a construct through which FLMF facilitates commerce amongst it's members and engages the community as well as the larger population.  In order for business to thrive in the community, people have to enjoy access to information verifying a business' capability and credibility.  SBDI takes the lead in giving buyers that reassurance.  The FLMF Resource Network was established to give members the ability to access a database of service providers who have completed a certification process assuring that they are credible, have the capability to perform the services or provide the products they offer in a timely fashion and at a reasonable rate.   It also gives business owners an additional outlet through which to promote their products and services to a captive audience.  With confidence in the marketplace, more customers will buy from those members of the FLMF Resource Network and the businesses will enjoy repeat business at a higher rate.  The network assures ongoing accountability and compliance to it's certification standard.  Integrated in the system are checks and balances such that in the event a business chooses to change their business practices to standards inconsistent with the Resource Network certification standard, they will be removed from the network and notice will be posted to that effect.  This and other features encourage the community members to buy from their own with confidence.  Features of the FLMF Resource Network are as follows:

• Certification process for inclusion into FLMF Resource Network (Certified by congregation of faith or FLMF)

• Publish FLMF Faith Empowerment Registry

• Certified businesses will be included in the FLMF Faith Empowerment Registry

• Provides mentoring opportunity for Career Exposure Program

• Black Small Business and Entrepreneurs in the Church

• Faith leader endorses business for inclusion in the network