-
‘Independence from Credit’: Pro Mujer co-founder Carmen Velasco discusses self-help groups, and how much profit is too much in microfinance
As a pioneer of microfinance in Latin America, Pro Mujer co-founder Carmen Velasco has had a front-row seat for the sector’s tumultuous evolution over the past two decades. In this video Q&A, Part Two in our series on The Future of Microfinance, she discusses the need for MFIs to help clients move beyond credit - and how self-help savings groups could make some microcredit providers obsolete.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
-
The Business Case for BoP Strategies: In part two of this series, how Brazil’s Tenda Atacado bagged scale
Tenda Atacado, a supermarket chain and wholesale distributor, noted a demand within the local BoP community and it’s growth has surged ever since. Part two of a series exploring the base of the pyramid practices, from the Erb Institute and Manaus Consulting, looks at Tenda’s strategy.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
-
Crowdfunding for Development: Recommendations vs. reality
Last year, infoDev released a report that explored what crowdfunding could mean for enterprises in developing countries. Now, it’s seeing the first results of its Crowdfund Investing Pilot, a project designed to mentor and train six Kenyan startups on crowdfunding campaigns. The organization reflects on some key recommendations of the report, and how they compare to the reality of working with these entrepreneurs.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
-
The ‘Scrappy Rockstar’ of Global Health?: Maternova using Amazon-type platform to help save lives of mothers, infants in developing world
Maternova, a women-owned, women-run, for-profit social enterprise, has been described as "an Amazon-type platform, but for global health technologies." Allyson Cote, a co-founder, describes how her company is helping save the lives of mothers and infants in developing countries around the world.
- Categories
- Health Care, Social Enterprise
-
The Other Digital Currency: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin get all the attention, but using airtime as currency could play a vital role in developing the digital finance ecosystem
Mobile money’s origins lie in the practice of sending airtime instead of money. And today, the use of airtime as currency endures in markets where mobile money has failed to flourish - or when it is simply more convenient than mobile money services. Mondato’s Chris Connolly explores the benefits and risks of the practice.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
-
NexThought Monday – Money and Motivation: Why are some people willing to work at a social enterprise for free?
No leader has all the skills needed if a social enterprise is to succeed. Each of us must tap into others’ skill sets, often by hiring consultants to fill gaps. But when you can find people who will work pro bono that can be a fantastic option. Andrea Trice explores how managers can approach and work with volunteers.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
-
Weekly Roundup 10-18-14
This week we explored "under grid energy", new leadership at The B Team, and the release of the BoP Roadmap.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
-
Bringing the Gender Lens into Focus
Gender lens investing is an increasing focus of investor and media attention. But this paradigm shift calls for a new approach that holds investors accountable, says Tara Sabre Collier. The term “gender lens” should imply a shift away from a gender-specific silo towards a more holistic vision of empowering women as investees, employees, consumers, suppliers and beyond.
- Categories
- Impact Assessment
- Tags
- impact investing
