by Pastor Paul Naughton

One of the most important things a person needs in any society is a stake in that society?s success. Engaging the excluded -- whether perceived or actually so -- is a paramount task.

My faith-based background gives me the assurance that God wants everybody to succeed, be empowered to prosper, and be a force for good in their community.

What an opportunity then, when I first heard of the concept and vision of Faith in Business, to join with this great venture and become a part of this positive work.

I have personally experienced the change that takes place when the curse of social exclusion is taken away, and one is empowered to work for the good of themselves and others. Many people have a dream to start their own business.

However, the lack of mentoring, funds and encouragement to do so is more obvious in some communities than others.

It is truly worthy of note that Faith in Business is helping to redress that imbalance.

Their provision of sound encouragement, mentoring and access to funds (subject to the right conditions), is a lifeline to many people who would have otherwise drowned in the great lake that is commerce.

The vision and drive of the team at Faith in Business are evident to all. The passion with which they go about helping to birth the dreams of those otherwise shunned entrepreneurs, is a testimony to the ?yes, you can succeed too? attitude that prevails within the organisation.

Faith in Business has already become a recognised name in the world of business start-ups.

The organisation is known to possess a unique blend of skills, resources and access to finance that is so vital when dealing with making the business dreams of others come true.

The success of Faith in Business can and will be measured by the success of those who have been launched into business by its offering.

Another point of note is what one may call the ?community reach? of the organisation. Using the experience gained from their ethnic minority business backgrounds, and the positive influence of a faith-based lifestyle, the team have been able to reach into the vast, and as yet largely untapped business ideas pool, that can become reality by tomorrow?s potential wealth creators.

The true value of this Faith in Business venture, and the positive effect on the communities who receive from it, will benefit society at large in a resounding way.

The stakeholders of tomorrow?s economy are the: ?can I succeed?? people of today.

Paul Naughton left a successful career in banking in 1997, to pastor the Church he founded three years previously. He is married to Jo with two children. Paul has a passion to release the potential to do well that he believes can reside in everybody. Paul?s participation in faith in business is ?an exciting opportunity to assist in the prosperity of others.?