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I love what Rick DeVos is doing at Start Garden in Grand Rapids. Basically Rick has put together a $15 million dollar fund that invests $5,000 in two business ideas every week. One is chosen by Start Garden and the other is the one with the most endorsements from the general public.
Each $5,000 idea has about two months to do something constructive with the investment. Then they return to give an update at a public event, where a decision is made about whether to invest a further $20,000 in the business. If that goes well, then further investments of up to $100,000 are possible! And all this comes with advice and guidance from experienced business leaders.
A friend of mine has managed to get to the second stage with his G-RAPS idea. This would never have made it to market without Rik’s investment and encouragement. Wouldn’t it be great to see more wealthy business leaders not just multiplying their own “talents,” but helping others to do the same (Matthew 25:14-30).