IMED operates in a multi-phase approach that has been continuously updated and improved over the years.

Phase 1: Once pre-qualified candidates have been identified and recruited by our in-country partners, a week long conference is held at a central location. This conference is taught by volunteer faculty from IMED in the USA and covers the fundamentals of creating and starting a micro-business. Topics such as entrepreneurial characteristics, consumer driven economics, marketing (research and planning), financial management, etc. are presented in an informal, discussion based environment that seeks to blend proven business concepts with deep respect for local culture. The conference ends with an assignment to complete a market research project to be turned in to our partner and reviewed by IMED USA.

Phase 2: Those completing the research assignment from Phase 1 and receiving approval of their project are invited to a second conference. In Phase 2, students are paired up with volunteer coaches from IMED and spend approximately 40 hours working through the findings of their research project and formulating a business plan based on that information. The business plan is then submitted for a 3-level evaluation. If the business plan shows viability, the student is invited to return to the third conference.

Phase 3: Those returning to Phase 3 are taught the actual mechanics of launching a business-legalities, hiring and management, sales and service, financial record keeping, etc. At the end of this conference, they graduate and are funded through the IMED revolving investment fund based in the US.

Upon graduating, the emerging entrepreneurs are enrolled into an extended mentoring and coaching process to ensure that they are successful and able to repay their loans. Loan repayments form a capital pool that is generally kept in-country for re-investment in future graduates.