Program areas at DSEF
Education Initiative: DSEF partners with members of the academic community to support research and education programs that expand the knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of direct selling. DSEF works with professors in a variety of disciplines including entrepreneurship, marketing, ethics, consumer studies, business and economics to commission academic research, case studies and white papers and to sponsor direct selling education programs on university campuses across the country. These efforts provide students, professors and the public with insights into the direct selling channel and its latest trends and innovations, offer solutions for better business management and help educate the next generation of entrepreneurs and industry leaders about opportunities in the space.
Communications: Educate the public about how direct selling empowers individuals, supports communities and strengthens economies worldwide. Our programs help build a broader understanding of direct selling's channel of distribution, wide variety of products, and entrepreneurship opportunity.
Fellows: DSEF Fellows are given a two-year opportunity to work with the Foundation and industry executives to gain deeper insights into this channel of distribution, both as a go-to-market business strategy and pathway to micro-entrepreneurship. More specifically, Fellows are currently made up of university and community college professors with specialties that typically fall within the areas of business, management, marketing, entrepreneurship, ethics, consumer studies and other related fields.
Ethical Leadership Initiative: Education on and promotion of ethical direct selling business practices and corporate social responsibility.
International Grants: The purpose of the DSEF International Grant Program is to enhance the relationship of the direct selling industry with academic and consumer communities around the world. As direct selling grows dramatically internationally, so must industry relations with these important segments of society be nurtured. Improving communications and fostering partnerships with consumer and academic leaders abroad will help to fulfill the DSEF mission.
Direct Selling Entrepreneur Program: DSEF brings the world of direct selling together with the community college entrepreneurship environment to increase the number and scope of self employment opportunities across the country. Through this program, individuals learn the entrepreneurship skills they need to start or grow a successful business and gain confidence in their ability to thrive as independent business owners. This program is developed in partnership between DSEF and National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship.
Consumer Initiatives: As the goodwill ambassador of the direct selling industry, Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF) proudly provides and supports programming to engage, educate and empower consumers. We partner with consumer advocates, educators and public policy leaders to keep consumers informed and to ensure their voices are heard throughout the global marketplace.
Community Services: DSEF serves as our industry's goodwill ambassador by continually bringing direct selling leaders together to support the communities where they work, live, and learn.
Women's Leadership Initiative: Promotes personal leadership skills and entrepreneurial thinking, which allows women to maximize their contributions to the success of organizations, endeavors, and communities.