Entrepreneurs gather to build better businesses
Managing business challenges was the theme of a conference in Sofia on June 14, 2008, jointly sponsored by Integra Ventures –Bulgaria and the Business Professional Network. 65 entrepreneurs met at the Greenville Hotel to engage experienced business practitioners from the US and UK in a highly-interactive, all day discussion of concepts that build successful businesses. Coming from various parts of the country, the Bulgarian participants were owners and managers involved in construction, manufacturing and agriculture, accounting, interior design, law, consulting, real estate development, insurance, tourism, advertising, retailing, and a dozen more. All face the challenges of building successful companies—a legitimate challenge in the best business climate—but far more so when facing corruption at every level and at the same time desiring to please God in every area of life. Self-selected entrepreneurs made up the majority of those attending the conference, which was promoted as “a time to check your watch.” That is a Bulgarian expression for being sure you are up to date. Some of the business ideas presented were new to many— but for those already aware of them or even using them, just being assured they really work may have offered the greatest value.
One of the presenters, Jared Florian, is also an entrepreneur who has started six companies despite many failed ideas and ventures. He spoke on the critical importance of clear vision to growing a business, applying the truth of Proverbs (“Without vision the people perish”) to the corporate world where he’s seen its importance. Richard Mincheff, a former vice president of a major international advertising company and now a marketing trainer for SCORE in the U.S., presented marketing communications as the proper context for considering advertising in all its forms. The more Bulgaria moves into a free-market economy, the more important marketing communications becomes. James Penberthy, a British publisher and investment advisor, bluntly challenged the group to examine closely why their customers choose to do business with them. John Warton, president of the Business Professional Network, spoke on the need for intentionality in the life of any business man or woman who desires to live an uncompromised, whole life and experience the goodness of God in their business. Some in attendance were skeptical that business was a vocation God could bless— others testified to His amazing help in overcoming business trials. John presented a template for achieving God-honoring intentionality in every sphere of life. Integra Ventures – Bulgaria is a faith-based non-profit organization that stimulates self-sustaining businesses from the smallest “micro” enterprises among ‘women at risk’ to small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) through training, mentoring, and lending. Some of their ventures have become large, thriving businesses, employing many people and earning a very positive reputation in the country. The parent organization, Integra Ventures, has been active in Romania, Slovakia, Russia, and other Eastern European nations since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Business Professional Network connects Christian business people in the States with organizations like Integra Ventures to offer training in best business practices that reflect the wisdom of God as found in the Bible and to establish programs that assist national entrepreneurs in developing countries establish successful businesses that contribute in many ways to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.