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About ISM

Building Opportunity.
Strengthening communities.

For more than 25 years, ISM has helped entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities turn ideas into action.

25+ Years Supporting entrepreneurs and organizations
Global Reach Programs, partnerships, and initiatives worldwide
Cross-Sector Public, private, nonprofit, and university engagement
Practical Impact Programs, consulting, training, and ecosystem building
Our Journey

25 years of entrepreneurship in action.

Since 2003, ISM has grown from local entrepreneurial support into a global organization delivering programs, consulting, training, and ecosystem initiatives.

2003
Founded

ISM begins its work.

ISM was founded to help entrepreneurs and small businesses access practical strategy, support, and guidance.

2008
Expanded Programs

Training programs grow.

ISM expanded through entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and founder support programs.

2013
Global Reach

Trade missions begin.

ISM’s work expanded internationally through trade missions, partnerships, and global market access programs.

2017
Capacity Building

New markets emerge.

ISM developed capacity-building initiatives across countries, languages, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

2020
Resilience

Support adapts.

ISM redesigned programs for online and hybrid delivery to help entrepreneurs respond to disruption.

2021
Global Impact

100+ countries reached.

ISM expanded its global network through online programs, international initiatives, and ecosystem partnerships.

2023
Entrepreneur Resilience

New models launch.

ISM continued building resilience, membership, licensing, and long-term support models.

Today
Today

A connected model.

ISM now works across entrepreneurship programs, consulting, economic development, global engagement, and ecosystem building.

Different chapters. Same purpose. Across every stage of ISM’s journey, the focus has remained consistent: helping people, organizations, and communities create meaningful progress through entrepreneurship.
25+
Five Pillars

Five pillars. One mission.

ISM’s work spans entrepreneurship, leadership, community, education, and technology. Together, these pillars shape how we support people, organizations, and ecosystems.

01

Entrepreneurship

Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through advising, programs, market access, and practical growth strategies.

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02

Global Leadership

Helping organizations and leaders navigate international markets, partnerships, cross-cultural opportunities, and global growth.

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03

Community

Strengthening communities through outreach, volunteerism, ecosystem development, and collaborative initiatives.

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04

Education

Building skills and capacity through training, workshops, coaching, curriculum, and experiential learning.

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05

Technology

Connecting innovators and technology-focused organizations with resources, networks, training, and opportunities for growth.

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What We Believe

Support should move people forward.

01

People First

Behind every business, program, and initiative are people. Stronger people build stronger organizations and communities.

02

Practical Support

Ideas are important, but implementation matters. We focus on solutions that can be applied and acted upon.

03

Meaningful Connections

Relationships often unlock opportunities faster than information alone. Connections create momentum.

04

Action Over Activity

Success is measured by progress, not participation. We focus on movement, growth, and real-world outcomes.