Business Development

In many countries where Volunteers serve, governments and local communities face impediments to economic growth, such as high unemployment, rapidly increasing populations, unskilled workforces, and a lack of private sector investment. Peace Corps Volunteers have a long history of working with individuals and communities to promote economic opportunities at the grassroots level.

Business Volunteers focus on increasing family income, improving the environment for businesses, educating young people, and helping businesses find markets for traditional or value-added products. They participate at many levels, whether helping artisan cooperatives in rural Africa market their handmade goods or training people in Eastern Europe to take advantage of new free-market opportunities.

Often, business Volunteers begin in a classroom setting, which gives them a position in the community as respected leaders and makes other projects possible. These projects include training entrepreneurs in the basic skills of small-business development and working with women to help them expand their access to credit and find new markets for their products. Some Volunteers work with development banks, nongovernmental organizations, and municipalities to support local development projects.

Most business Volunteers have business or public administration degrees or experience; others have degrees in other disciplines and a strong interest in business and nonprofit organizations.

Click on the links below to learn more about the specific opportunities and requirements for business development Volunteers in the Peace Corps.

Business Advising

Volunteers assist private and public businesses, local and regional governments, nonprofit organizations, women's and youth groups, and educational institutions.

Business Development

Volunteers assist private and public businesses, local and regional governments, nonprofit organizations, women's and youth groups, and educational institutions.

NGO Development

Volunteers focus on increasing family income, improving the environment for businesses, educating young people, and helping businesses find markets for traditional or value-added products.

Urban and Regional Planning

Volunteers work with municipalities and communities, as well as with regional or national governments.

Last updated Sep 20 2008