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Innovative Development Leaders - MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) is a group of caring and compassionate business owners and professionals who, over the past 50 years, have invested faith, abilities and resources to help the working poor around the world. We are a group of visionary leaders who believe in giving dignity and joy to the working poor by helping them grow sustainable, locally-owned small businesses that are not dependent on charity for survival.

We believe in innovative international development that will provide a future for families and whole communities struggling with poverty. We work to enrich, encourage and assist individuals and their families in improving their standard of living. Through creative initiatives, smart planning and proper execution MEDA has become a world leader in international development working closely with governments, foundations and businesses.

Healthy partnerships provide infrastructure and long-term solutions. MEDA is proud to partner with organizations like CIDA and USAID who support us through fund-matching programs. Our success in countries around the world has given us the trust of communities, partners, and governments.

We focus our energies on 5 specific areas:

Microfinance - We seek to give entrepreneurs a much needed chance and provide that chance by establishing and strengthening institutions that give out loans in the form of microfinance. Without them, many entrepreneurs would never be able to get a loan and better their situation.

Production Marketing Linkages - We look to find a market for their product and create production marketing linkages between small producers living in poverty and markets for their products. We also find links between beneficial products and a market within people living in poverty.

Investment Fund Development - We strive to invest in their economies and help in the development of investment funds that help business grow and in turn improve the economy of the working poor.

Community Economic Development - We provide successful business models to use as templates. MEDA creates replicable business training models that can be housed in community based organizations in North America for entrepreneurs living in poverty-stricken communities.

Member Services - We provide inspiration and networking opportunities to MEDA members in North America. Being involved in the MEDA community gives members networking opportunities, thoughtful analysis, news, and inspiration on Christian life.

For additional information please visit meda.org/WhoWeAre.html

How to get involved

To get involved immediately in Microfinancing from your very own computer visit medatrust.org.

To find out about positions available within MEDA please visit meda.org/WhoWeAre/Jobs.html

Check out meda.org for internships (when available) and additional information about MEDA and its partners.