1. Introduction to the æ-Mark

Attending the Colours of Money Seminar (or an equivalent event or experience*)

Step 1 provides entrepreneurs with an overview of the evolution of economic life, focused on the need for initiative and competence, appropriate ownership and capital structures, transparent accounting, and the importance of working with others seeking an associative approach to economic life.

 

2. Preparing for the æ-Mark

Exploring the application of associative economics* 

Intended for those responsible for new or already existing businesses, Step 2 is designed to sharpen the skills and understanding needed to give effect to associative economics. This step entails participation in regular meetings with other associative entrepreneurs in order to ‘test’ one’s understanding of associative working in today’s conditions.

 

3. Aligning to the æ-Mark
Making any changes necessary to fulfil the Mark’s requirements*

Having decided to align one’s enterprise with the æ-Mark, Step 3 has two aspects. Firstly, associative entrepreneurs make any necessary changes to the capitalisation, structure, management, and accounting of the enterprise. Secondly, they undertake to meet regularly with at least two other associative entrepreneurs in the sense of the Criteria.

 

4. Using the æ-Mark 

Stepping on the path from competition to association

Step 4 occurs when entrepreneurs who have completed Steps 1-3 and fulfilled the æ-Mark’s Criteria announce their eligibility and take the step of self-certification.

 

* The Colours of Money seminar has been given to many people in many places around the world. Through this synthetic process, its content has now settled into a number of theses that can be brought to life by anyone wishing to adopt their precepts or impart them to others, on the grounds that they refer to historical and economic truths that anyone can discover for him- or herself.