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ANDE Moves From Analysis to Action
While it still represents "pocket change" compared to the heavy hitters of private equity and microfinance institutional lending, the small and growing business investment sector is growing. This was the prevailing view from the annual Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs Conference 2011, the organization’s third such summit.
- Categories
- Investing
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With Video: From Strawberries to Solar Lamps, Why Profit is the Only Way to Scale
In a wide-ranging discussion with The Economist Columnist Matthew Bishop at the ANDE Annual Conference 2011, Paul Polak, serial entrepreneur and BoP thought leader, said SMEs need to think BIG. Polak used to say don’t bother if you don’t plan to reach one million customers. Today, he thinks in terms of 100 million. Watch the full video discussion.
- Categories
- Investing
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The FOUND Middle: An ANDE Video Series
ANDE is all about identifying and supporting businesses that are often too large for microfinance, but too small for traditional financing (AKA: the missing middle). But "missing" implies this sector doesn’t exist, when in fact there is a thriving ecosystem of small and growing businesses. Today, we’re launching video series that spotlights them.
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- Investing
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SOCAP11: Breaking Down Barriers to People Powered Capital
"Why is it illegal for me to invest even $100 in the business of my choice?" The kick-off session on the democratization of impact investing tackled the tough questions, such as how can we channel the massive amount of capital latent in the 98 percent of people may want to invest in a venture, but who are not "accredited investors."
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- Investing
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The (Not So) Dangerous Promise of Impact Investing
As impact investors, we welcome criticism because it will help clarify the role of impact investing within the space. That said, we disagree with many assertions made by Felix Oldenburg of Ashoka Europe recently. The truth is that for-profit social enterprise and impact investing do not limit social impact by taking away dollars from the "idea."
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- Investing
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After Two Years, ANDE Making an Impact for Small and Growing Businesses
ANDE’s 2010 Impact Report shows the increasing recognition of the importance of SGBs. In the first half of 2010, 22 investment funds launched with a primary focus on SGBs, while private equity funds doubled targets for SGB investments from 2009 to 2010, according to the report. The middle may no longer be "missing," but it is still hard to find.
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- Impact Assessment, Investing
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Talking Metrics: Is Standardization a Dream?
Last week I sat down with Calvert Foundation, Grassroots Business Fund and E+Co to discuss the use of metrics by socially oriented businesses. The conversation focused on how they use metrics within their organizations and what role they see metrics playing in the future. The discussion demonstrated the need to change how stakeholders view metrics.
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- Impact Assessment, Investing
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NexThought Monday: Building Bridges Among Constituencies to End Poverty
In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, old rivalries have re-emerged. On one side are those who champion market-based solutions; on the other we find entities advocating institutional reform and social policies for economic growth. Regardless of who wins, the poor will lose, unless the solutions are as multifaceted as the problems.
- Categories
- Investing
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