A recent meeting of “Great Commission Companies” in Nepal invited practitioners and investors from other south Asia countries to share insights on issues related to investing in Kingdom companies. IBEC has coached and consulted with several companies in Nepal and we maintain a keen interest and involvement in that country.
The group in Nepal uses the tagline, “We are a group of Christians based in Nepal … committed to glorifying God through business.” Here are some of the conversation nuggets which one of the owners passed on to us.
- In another neighboring country, it was realized that the # 1 problem is a spiritual one. People who live compromised lives spiritually, generally compromise in their business practices.
- We do not approve of loans more than $10,000 otherwise people become overwhelmed.
- Kingdom investors look primarily for a business that is touching lives for God.
- The business owner must be willing to be mentored. Mentoring covers the ‘nuts and bolts’ but moves deeper into the underlying mission.
- Regular financial reporting is mandatory.
- Loans must have a modest rate-of-interest since interest conveys the message that there is a cost associated with the lending of money and real costs must be understood.
- Investors generally do not invest in new startup-ups; but they wait for a track record and a clear understanding of peculiarities and demands.
- Investors look for evidence that the owner understands the business is ultimately owned by God and he/she is a steward.
- Team is important. Lone rangers generally fail.
Business is complex and it is a lot of hard work. It is not for the faint hearted and is tremendously challenging. One bit of advice shared at the meeting may sound trite but it sums it all up:
“Keep your eyes on Jesus while at the same time make as much money as you can.”
Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures
larry.sharp@ibecventures.com