Join the Pay-it-Forward Alliance: Empower Local Entrepreneurs and Build Stronger Communities

The Pay-it-Forward Alliance, led by Bridging Gaps, is a global network that brings together local changemakers, social entrepreneurs, and grassroots innovators. The Alliance focuses on supporting marginalized communities, refugees, and people living in fragile contexts. It connects local organizations with resources to create sustainable local entrepreneurship ecosystems, helping communities thrive by driving economic empowerment from within.

What is the Pay-it-Forward Alliance?

The Pay-it-Forward Alliance is a network of local organizations working together to provide training, mentorship, and funding for entrepreneurs. The goal is to help entrepreneurs in underserved areas access the support they need to build sustainable businesses. This network values local knowledge and collaboration, ensuring that solutions are led by the communities they aim to serve.

Core Objectives of the Pay-it-Forward Alliance:

1. Build Local Entrepreneurship Ecosystems: Strengthen communities by supporting trusted local leaders who are driving change.

2. Provide Essential Resources: Offer training, mentorship, and joint fundraising campaigns to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and contribute to local economies.

3. Encourage Peer-to-Peer Learning: Promote a culture of learning and collaboration where members share experiences and best practices.

4. Support Locally-Led Solutions: Empower local innovators to lead change and create solutions that work for their communities.

5. Create a Resource Hub: Develop a collection of tools, templates, and success stories that members can use to enhance their work.

What Makes the Alliance Unique?

The Pay-it-Forward Alliance is locally-driven and collaborative. Every member is deeply embedded within the community they serve. This ensures that initiatives are culturally relevant and tailored to each region's unique needs. The Alliance also encourages the trademark Bridging Gaps pay-it-forward approach: entrepreneurs who receive support are encouraged to help others in their community, creating a cycle of empowerment that continues to grow.

Who Can Join the Alliance?

The Pay-it-Forward Alliance is open to:

• Local NGOs & CBOs working with underserved communities

• Grassroots social enterprises that aim to make a positive social impact

• Refugee-led organizations supporting displaced communities

• Youth and women-led businesses focused on empowerment and economic growth

• Innovators working to solve economic challenges in fragile regions

How to Get Involved?

To join the Alliance, organizations need to send an email to info@bridging-gaps.org. This should include their mission, experience with entrepreneurship training, and connection to local communities. New members will commit to attending quarterly meetings and collaborating with others in the network.

Example in Action: Afri-Youth Network

A great example of the Alliance’s impact is our partnership with Afri-Youth Network, a refugee-led organization in Bidibidi refugee settlement. Together, we’ve provided:

• Entrepreneurship training

• Business incubation programs

• Peer mentorship

• Microloan disbursements

Through joint fundraising campaigns and grant applications, we have received funding from organizations like UNHCR, YY Ventures and Yunus France. This partnership has helped refugee entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses while strengthening Afri-Youth Network’s ability to lead local initiatives. It’s a model of the pay-it-forward approach at work.

Join Us in Building Stronger Communities

Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to grow your business or a donor seeking to support meaningful change, the Pay-it-Forward Alliance offers an opportunity to create lasting impact. Your involvement—whether through financial support, knowledge sharing, or direct collaboration—will help build self-reliant communities around the world.

Together, we can bridge the gaps and create a brighter future—one entrepreneur at a time.

Join the Pay-it-Forward Alliance today and be part of a movement that transforms lives and communities.