Agriculture
Cooperatives that command a better price
Producer groups upgrade quality standards and negotiate directly with international buyers.
Capable, resilient, and trusted since 1964
Improving Economies for Stronger Communities
IESC is a leading U.S. nonprofit that catalyzes private sector growth and creates economic opportunity for people and communities in economically developing countries.
1.5 million jobs
and counting
1964
Serving communities since
139
Countries reached
1.5M+
Jobs created
60+
Years of impact
Who we are
Self-reliance, not dependence
We have helped transform dozens of countries from receiving foreign assistance to becoming self-reliant. Many — including Singapore, South Korea, Portugal, and the Czech Republic — have become high-income economies and key U.S. business partners.
Today we achieve our mission primarily through long-term staff who are principally from the countries where we work, alongside local partner organizations, home office staff in Washington, DC, consultants, and dedicated volunteer experts.
What we do
Practical expertise, delivered where economies are being built
Enterprise Growth
Strengthening small and growing businesses with the skills, systems, and finance they need to scale.
Agriculture & Food Systems
Connecting farmers and cooperatives to markets, technology, and buyers that raise incomes.
Workforce Development
Preparing jobseekers and young professionals for the roles employers are actually hiring for.
Trade & Investment
Improving the business enabling environment so trade, investment, and jobs can follow.
Our impact
Stories from the field
Workforce
Skills that match real hiring demand
Training built with employers moves young professionals into durable, better-paid work.
Enterprise
Small businesses, stronger communities
Local advisors help entrepreneurs formalize, access finance, and grow their teams.
Where we work
139 countries, from the oldest to the newest
Since 1964, IESC has delivered lasting solutions across the globe — from China to South Sudan — sharing proven business skills with entrepreneurs, jobseekers, farmers, cooperatives, and governments.
Africa
Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia
Asia
Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea
Europe & Eurasia
Bosnia, Bulgaria, Georgia, North Macedonia, Serbia
Latin America & Caribbean
Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Haiti
Middle East & North Africa
Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia
Make a lasting difference
Support economic opportunity where it changes everything — or lend your expertise as a volunteer advisor.