The Criteria       SIFE's primary goal is to create economic opportunities for others through educating them about specific topics.  The topics were carefully selected and organized to empower SIFE participants around the world.  The foundation of that education is an understanding of how a market based economy operates (criteria 1).  Once that concept is understood, members of the economy fall within one of two basic categories: employees or entrepreneurs.  Employees must have the skills needed to successfully compete in a global market (criteria 2).  Entrepreneurs must have the ability to identify a market need and successfully create a product or service to satisfy that need (criteria 3).  After the skills of employment or entrepreneurship are successfully obtained, it becomes increasingly important to understand how to manage money to become and remain financially independent (criteria 4). The common moral thread present throughout the process is an understanding of sound business ethics (criteria 5). A plan must also be in place to ensure the long-term sustainability of programs, projects or business ventures (criteria 6) - while focusing on environmental sustainability (criteria 7).