Introduction

Can this group help me start or grow a business?

It’s not easy to start or grow a business, but your self-reliance group will help you learn to make wise business decisions. In group meetings, you will commit to do specific actions. The group will give you new ideas and encourage you. The goal of this group is not only to help you with your business; it is also to help you act in greater obedience and faith in the Lord and receive His promised blessings of temporal and spiritual self-reliance.

What is a self-reliance group?

A self-reliance group is different from most Church classes, lessons, and workshops. There are no teachers, leaders, or trainers. Members of the group learn together and support and encourage one another. We hold each other accountable for our commitments and we counsel together to solve problems.

Elder M. Russell Ballard

“There is no problem in the family, ward, or stake that cannot be solved if we look for solutions in the Lord’s way by counseling—really counseling—with one another.”

M. Russell Ballard, Counseling with Our Councils, rev. ed. (2012), 4

What do group members do?

At meetings, group members commit to act. We not only learn but also do the things that make us self-reliant. We make commitments, help each other keep the commitments, and report our progress. Because the group works as a council, it is important to attend meetings regularly and on time. Always bring this workbook and the booklets My Foundation: Principles, Skills, Habits and My Path to Self-Reliance. Each group meeting should take about two hours. Acting on our commitments will take one to two hours per day.

What does a facilitator do?

Facilitators are not experts in business or teaching. They do not lead or teach the group. They simply help the group follow the materials exactly as they are written. A self-reliance specialist typically facilitates group meetings; however, group members may be assigned to facilitate after several weeks, if needed. To learn more, see the Leader Guide and videos at srs.lds.org.

Certificate of Completion

Group members who attend meetings and keep commitments will qualify to receive two certificates from LDS Business College: a certificate in business entrepreneurship (see pages 197–98 for requirements) and a self-reliance certificate (see page 29 in My Foundation).