The Introduction to Business As Mission (iBAM) Course is designed to take men and women with a call to business and mission and equip them on their journey to become cross-cultural entrepreneurs for the Kingdom of God. iBAM is for those exploring business as mission more deeply, for those preparing to launch and for those building a stronger foundation for their current business as mission operations.
For more information about Business as Mission, check out our website: www.businessasmission.com
Our aim is to create a hands-on, interactive approach to learning to prepare participants for involvement in business as mission. The iBAM Course incorporates classroom teaching and discussion, visits to local businesses, case studies, group work, one–on–one consultations from coaches and a field trip. We aim to build on both understanding and practical skills through a wide variety of learning processes. Through the course there is an emphasis on personal development, discipleship and mentoring. Time for worship, devotions, prayer and bible study are part of the daily rhythm of the iBAM schedule.
We have chosen Chiang Mai as an annual iBAM training location because of it's strategic location in Asia and it's proximity to many business as mission models in Northern Thailand and in the surrounding countries. During the iBAM in Chiang Mai, participants are able to visit business as mission companies locally to incorporate real life examples into their learning experience. A 5-6 day field trip is included in both the iBAM Explore and iBAM Prepare Courses, with a choice of destinations in South East Asia. Participants also gain a cross-cultural experience that is not only 'taught' in the classroom, but is also 'caught' in everyday experiences.
It is convenient to fly to Chiang Mai (CNX) from many international cities via Bangkok (BKK) or Kuala Lumpur (KUL) in Malaysia. Chiang Mai is also a hub for direct flights in the region and you can also fly direct to Chiang Mai from: Singapore, Taiwan, China, Laos, Myanmar and many cities in Thailand.
We believe that success in business as mission is greatly enabled by strong foundations in a number of areas, including: cross-cultural understanding, personal character development, spiritual maturity, personal management skills and yes - sound business skills!
iBAM is proud to offer great topics and teachers, however we do not stop there... We want to encourage whole-person development, through a broad range of processes: discussion, workshops, group coaching, personal coaching etc.
A vital part of the iBAM learning process is the Coaching component, covering two broad (but interrelated) tracks:
Personal Development e.g. cross-cultural skills, spiritual foundations, contributing strengths in a team, personal goals etc.
Business Development e.g. business planning and other foundational business skils such as sales and marketing, financial planning etc.
The coaching tracks are tailor-made to meet the particular needs of each participant* and that of the group as a whole.
The iBAM Course is designed as an introductory course to prepare participants for engagement in business as mission. Although mastery of these topics is a long-term process requiring experience and application, we trust that the iBAM Course will be a significant step in that process for all those who attend. We encourage our participants to lay solid foundations for the future, as disciples of Jesus and in pursuit of excellent business as mission practice.
* Please note: Because of the intensity of the course schedule in the first 2 weeks of iBAM, we make more room for tailor-made coaching sessions during the final 2 weeks of the iBAM Prepare Course. Therefore, we recommend iBAM Prepare for those seriously preparing to launch into business as mission. iBAM Explore participants will receive a more limited amount of coaching due the different nature and aims of the course.
The field trip is an important element of the iBAM Course, giving participants the opportunity to visit a wider variety of business as mission companies and models. Each field trip group visits a number of different businesses in a particular country, meeting key leaders, seeing facilities, learning about a company's history and business operations. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, to find out what makes a company a business as mission enterprise and to see first hand the impact that business is making. In relation to the overall process of the iBAM Course, it is highly valuable for participants to see how classroom concepts and principles can be applied in real life.
The field trips take learning on the road, giving course participants the opportunity to engage with each other and new ideas in a different context. As well as learning from the business as mission practitioners themselves, field trips offer the added value of learning from fellow participants as the team journeys together and from experiencing new cultures and places.
"Taking iBAM is the shortest most thorough way I can imagine to step into the Missional Business stream. I got a good understanding of how God is moving in these days through business and I feel equipped to be a part of it." -Participant, iBAM 2010, Chiang Mai
The full 5 week course covering all aspects of business as mission, for those who are preparing to launch a business as mission project or those already involved who want further equipping.
Dates: 11 February - 16 March 2012
2 weeks + Field Trip + 2 weeks
Cost: US$3000 *
A 3 week option for those investigating business as mission, for multipliers in other organizations or those with some business experience who want a foundation in business as mission.
Dates: 11 February - 3 March 2011
2 weeks + Field Trip
Cost: US$2000 *
*There are partial scholarships available for people currently working for support-based agencies and people from developing nations. A Scholarship Application Form will be available upon request during the application process.
