DFID, Business and the Post-2015 Development Agenda
Last week members of the UN High Level Panel met in London to discuss the successor to the Millennium Development Goal framework. The meetings, co-chaired by PM Cameron, President Yudhoyono of Indonesia and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, represent a unique opportunity to reflect on what new framework could drive poverty eradication when the […]
Competitions Work
Perhaps it’s in my American DNA. Or, perhaps, it’s because I am enticed, like many, by the lure of a shiny prize. And it doesn’t even have to be a big one. Just last summer, for example, I signed my six-year-old up for the annual cherry pit spitting competition here in Zug. Why put the […]
Sustainable Palm Oil is Good for Business
New joint study from CDC, FMO and WWF shows economic benefits of sustainable palm oil Protecting the environment by producing certified sustainable palm oil is also good for the bottom line, according to a ground-breaking new report released today. Profitably and Sustainability in Palm Oil Production is a first-time study that comprehensively examines the financial […]
SHUT UP & GIVE? A journey around the world in search of sustainable solutions to global poverty.
I wasn’t always a believer. I used to be like a lot of people in the development field who didn’t see business as a viable weapon in the fight against poverty. I saw business as a vehicle for making money and development as a vehicle for helping people. They weren’t connected in my mind. But […]
SHUT UP & GIVE? A journey around the world in search of sustainable solutions to global poverty.
I wasn’t always a believer. I used to be like a lot of people in the development field who didn’t see business as a viable weapon in the fight against poverty. I saw business as a vehicle for making money and development as a vehicle for helping people. They weren’t connected in my mind. But […]
Catalyzing smallholder agricultural finance
The world’s 450 million smallholder farmers represent a large – and largely unmet – opportunity for agricultural financing. As population growth and rising incomes create unprecedented demand for food, multinational companies increasingly rely on smallholders to secure their supply of agricultural commodities. As a result, smallholders present a compelling opportunity for buyers, lenders, and other […]
Is Business the New Charity?
Investing in small business and new ventures is a good thing and vital to our communities, but we must not confuse it with charity or strategic long-term social investment. In my recent interview with Jim Koch, founder of Samuel Adams (Boston Beer Company), he reflected on the traditional philanthropic activities of his company and peers. […]
Experiencing Village Banking – In the Field with Loan Officers
After being well introduced in the project and the loan business, I took the opportunity to join Vasity and Mabvuto, two FINCA Loan Officers, to get a closer insight into the field work. It was a great experience which I enjoyed immensely. I was particularly impressed of how professionally Vasity and Mabvuto manage their Village […]
Microinsurance for microentrepreneurs: Fonkoze helps its clients recover from natural disasters
Tropical Storm Isaac has left at least 24 dead in Haiti and done untold destruction, battering above all the country’s poor. Nevertheless, some will find relief thanks to a unique collaboration spearheaded by Fonkoze, Haiti’s largest microfinance organization. The program is called Kore W—microinsurance for microentrepreneurs. Coming to terms with disaster Fonkoze realized several years […]
Corporate pulling power to push sustainable development
Around the world many communities are distressed and in turmoil. The re-emergence of right wing political parties as credible electoral options, riots in European capitals, deterioration of living conditions and the development of movements (like ‘occupy’ and the ‘tea party’) are all part of a continuum of discontent. What all of these phenomena share in […]
Building Inclusive Markets: Impact through Financial and Enterprise Solutions
“Building Inclusive Markets: Impact through Financial and Enterprise Solutions”: this is the theme of this year’s SEEP Annual Conference – and you are invited! I have been attending SEEP conferences for over ten years, and this will be my second year as Executive Director. It is always inspiring to see the new relationships and projects […]
Grassroots Business Fund Invests in Jaipur Rugs to Drive Economic Development in India
The Grassroots Business Fund (GBF), a global impact investing organization, is proud to announce a $1 million investment in Jaipur Rugs, one of the largest manufacturers of hand-knotted carpets in India. Jaipur Rugs uses a decentralized rug production system, centered on a network of 7,000 low-income home-based weavers and an additional 3,000 wool spinners. Looms […]
Moving Capital- Are you investment ready?
Finding the right people and resources can be tough in a climate of austerity, especially if you are a social entrepreneur. However, there are great opportunities in the sector for those willing to put in the hard work. Andrew Stunell, Communities Minister, has recently announced that £30 million in grants will be available for local […]
Corporate Responsibilities in Times of Civil Unrest: the Case of Egypt and Vodafone
In January 2011 Egypt experienced one of its largest civil revolutions in recent history. Influenced by the example of the ousting of the unpopular Tunisian president via mass civilian protests, unrest in Egypt grew, with mass protests erupting on 25th January (25th January Revolution). This initiated a chain of events leading to the ousting of […]
Towards a Sustainability Mindset: How Boards Organise Oversight and Governance of Corporate Responsibility
Although this report’s title focuses on the oversight and governance of corporate responsibility within the boardroom, the sub-plot throughout is really about leadership. At a time when confidence in business and the markets is at a low which matches only the 1920’s, and which is exacerbated by a prolonged recession, the market needs business leaders […]
Brainstorming Fundraising Ideas? Don't Overlook Corporate Philanthropy
For every non-profit, there’s no way around it. Your cause is relevant and worthy. You’ve identified the need and crafted a breakthrough solution that will ensure tangible impact. Your mission statement is both beautiful and inspiring. You’ve assembled an impassioned, dedicated staff ready to execute your vision. All’s in place. Time to get the ball […]
Brainstorming Fundraising Ideas? Don’t Overlook Corporate Philanthropy
For every non-profit, there’s no way around it. Your cause is relevant and worthy. You’ve identified the need and crafted a breakthrough solution that will ensure tangible impact. Your mission statement is both beautiful and inspiring. You’ve assembled an impassioned, dedicated staff ready to execute your vision. All’s in place. Time to get the ball […]
Anglo American's Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox
Anglo American is committed to making a lasting positive contribution to the communities associated with its operations, and to being a partner of choice for host governments and communities, as well as an employer of choice. The effective management of social issues is a necessary element of good overall operational management, and a source of […]
Anglo American’s Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox
Anglo American is committed to making a lasting positive contribution to the communities associated with its operations, and to being a partner of choice for host governments and communities, as well as an employer of choice. The effective management of social issues is a necessary element of good overall operational management, and a source of […]
Unleashing The Potential Of Entrepreneurs In The Fight Against Poverty
The starting point for development may be different for each country, but the journey taken is often the same. As I have seen, time and again it is wealth creation, jobs and livelihoods, above all else, which help poor people to lift themselves out of poverty. In the developing world, small and medium enterprises hold […]