NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

The 2007 Social Capitalist Award winners were announced this morning by Fast Company business magazine and the Monitor Group. The Award recognizes non-profits that are generating both financial profit and social benefit. Winners that have a particularly strong emphasis on serving low-income markets include:

ACCION International–Trains banks on how to offer microfinance services, including insurance and savings (four-time winner: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)

Kickstart–Sells low-cost agricultural technology to increase farmers’ yields (two-time winner: 2006, 2007)

Scojo Foundation–Recruits women entrepreneurs to sell reading glasses using a direct marketing/mobile kiosk model (2006 finalist; 2005 winner)

Unitus–Provides financial support and consulting to microlenders in Asia and Latin America. Recently launched a 30 million equity fund to invest in microlenders (two-time winner: 2006, 2007)

Full list of 2007 Social Capitalist Awardees

Also, a reminder that Fast Company’s Fast 50 reader’s challenge application deadline, Dec 1, is coming up. If you or someone you know is out to improve the world through a financially sustainable (for-profit) project, be sure to enter the Fast 50 challenge.