One of the most common questions we receive is simple:

What kind of businesses does IBAM actually start around the world?

If our loan cap is $1,000, what can someone realistically build with that?

The answer might surprise you.

In this episode, we walk through real examples of Christian entrepreneurs who launched or expanded businesses with just $1,000—businesses that are creating income, strengthening families, and advancing disciple-making movements.

This isn’t theory. These are practical, market-driven service businesses operating in Central Asia, Indonesia, Zambia, and Africa.

Let’s break it down.

First, the question behind the question:

Why only $1,000?

At first glance, it sounds limiting. But it’s intentional.

In the U.S., you could start multiple businesses with $1,000:

• Lawn mowing

• Window washing

• Carpet cleaning

• House cleaning

• Car washing and detailing

All of these require hustle and hard work, but very little startup capital.

That same principle applies globally.

Over 15–18 years of experience, IBAM discovered something important:

• Larger loans led to product-based businesses like cafés, coffee shops, small manufacturing, or marketplace booths.

• Many of those businesses had a high failure rate because entrepreneurs assumed they knew what the market wanted—but didn’t.

By contrast, service businesses consistently performed better.

Today, IBAM funds only service businesses, and the repayment rate is over 90%.

That shift didn’t come from theory—it came from learning through both success and failure.

Let’s look at four entrepreneurs that represent how this model works in real life.

1. Aziza (Central Asia) — Expanding an Online Gift Service

Aziza lives in Central Asia. For security reasons, her specific country is not named.

She operates a business that sells products online—but it’s structured as a service expansion of an existing company.

Her business:

• Helps busy professionals remember key holidays

• Provides flowers, candies, and small gifts

• Includes a gift service component

• Operates in multiple Central Asian capitals

With IBAM’s support, she expanded her operations and has been running successfully for about three years. She has paid off her loan.

But her impact goes beyond business.

She now serves as a master trainer, training others in the program. She has young people working full-time in five different cities. Those workers are also missionaries making disciples and planting churches.

Economic growth + spiritual multiplication.

2. “S” (Indonesia) — Helmet and Shoe Cleaning

In Indonesia, security concerns are even higher, so we refer to this entrepreneur simply as “S.”

He lives on one of Indonesia’s 4,900 islands.

He started a business across from the university he graduated from. His service?

• Cleaning helmets

• Cleaning and reconditioning shoes

In Southeast Asia, thousands of people ride scooters daily. Helmets and shoes get dirty quickly. He saw the need and met it.

But what makes his story powerful is how he integrates disciple-making.

Because it’s repeat business, he builds relationships with students and adults who return as customers.

When trust is established, he asks a simple question:

“Would you like to know how God has helped me with my problems?”

He shares how the gospel has changed his life and given him perspective—even if it hasn’t removed all problems.

The business is profitable. He’s close to paying off his loan. And disciple-making happens naturally through everyday conversations.

3. Mapheso (Zambia) — Marketing Agency Expansion

Mapheso lives in Zambia in sub-Saharan Africa.

He already had a marketing agency. With his IBAM loan, he:

• Added computing capability

• Expanded digital marketing consulting services

He works with business owners throughout Zambia, building relationships and introducing them to Jesus Christ.

He’s a leader in his church and community.

His business growth created greater influence—and greater opportunities for gospel conversations.

4. Daniel (Central Asia) — The $73,000 Request

Daniel’s story begins with tension.

He came to IBAM requesting $73,000 to buy expensive equipment and roast/manufacture coffee.

But IBAM’s loan cap is $1,000.

After being asked to rework his model, he pivoted:

• Instead of roasting coffee, he began reselling coffee and supplies.

• He kept startup costs under $1,000.

• He built relationships in an emerging coffee market.

Then he noticed something.

There was a shortage of trained baristas.

So he launched a barista training school.

He paid off his loan. He expanded. He became a local leader in both business and church.

The pivot made the difference.