Comments on: The funding gap for BOP businesses http://www.defeatpoverty.com/2008/04/funding-gap-for-bop-businesses.html A conversation on global economic issues, ideas & data to help us all become better contributors to defeating the scourge of extreme global poverty Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:35:08 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.3 hourly 1 By: Ryan Gunderson http://www.defeatpoverty.com/2008/04/funding-gap-for-bop-businesses.html/comment-page-1#comment-177 Ryan Gunderson Thu, 29 May 2008 01:58:00 +0000 http://www.defeatpoverty.com/2008/04/the-funding-gap-for-bop-businesses.html#comment-177 The Draper Richards Foundation (http://www.draperrichards.org/) is another funding source. Fellowships are unrestricted funds to U.S.-based organizations at the beginning of their development (i.e., earned 501(c)(3) status less than three years ago). The foundation receives and reviews applications throughout the year and award grants throughout the year based on (1) creativity, (2) entrepreneurship, (3) collaboration, and (4) principles. The Draper Richards Foundation (http://www.draperrichards.org/) is another funding source. Fellowships are unrestricted funds to U.S.-based organizations at the beginning of their development (i.e., earned 501(c)(3) status less than three years ago). The foundation receives and reviews applications throughout the year and award grants throughout the year based on (1) creativity, (2) entrepreneurship, (3) collaboration, and (4) principles.

]]> By: Ramesh http://www.defeatpoverty.com/2008/04/funding-gap-for-bop-businesses.html/comment-page-1#comment-165 Ramesh Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:25:00 +0000 http://www.defeatpoverty.com/2008/04/the-funding-gap-for-bop-businesses.html#comment-165 David,<br/>I make small loans via KIVA.ORG.<br/><br/>However, after reading Prof. Yunus Mohammed's book describing Grameen/Danone partnership to make Yogurt - as a "Not for Profit" business model - I would like to propose the following: <br/><br/>If 1,000 individuals "loan" $500 each to such a "Not for Profit" business and partner with GRAMEEN or similar organization who will start a business. The business' first payoff is to the individual loans that would get paid over 3-5 years, and then the business continues.<br/><br/>My proposal would allow many individuals to make a difference, not just venture capitalists/big doners, etc. Also, it's a loan, not a donation... David,
I make small loans via KIVA.ORG.

However, after reading Prof. Yunus Mohammed’s book describing Grameen/Danone partnership to make Yogurt – as a “Not for Profit” business model – I would like to propose the following:

If 1,000 individuals “loan” $500 each to such a “Not for Profit” business and partner with GRAMEEN or similar organization who will start a business. The business’ first payoff is to the individual loans that would get paid over 3-5 years, and then the business continues.

My proposal would allow many individuals to make a difference, not just venture capitalists/big doners, etc. Also, it’s a loan, not a donation…

]]> By: Vinay Ganti http://www.defeatpoverty.com/2008/04/funding-gap-for-bop-businesses.html/comment-page-1#comment-164 Vinay Ganti Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:22:00 +0000 http://www.defeatpoverty.com/2008/04/the-funding-gap-for-bop-businesses.html#comment-164 David,<br/><br/>I actually wrote a post on this very issue some time back, and focused on the inability of microfinance to actually create jobs. I actually view microfinance clients as potential guinea pigs for transformation into SMEs and that we should be focused on trying to scale up more of them even if it means that many will fail. You can read the entire post here (http://thinkchangeindia.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/op-ed-microfinance-revisited-and-its-role-in-reaching-the-missing-middle/).<br/><br/>If you enjoy this piece, I encourage you to post it for your readers and to check ThinkChange India out in the future as well.<br/><br/>Best,<br/><br/>Vinay David,

I actually wrote a post on this very issue some time back, and focused on the inability of microfinance to actually create jobs. I actually view microfinance clients as potential guinea pigs for transformation into SMEs and that we should be focused on trying to scale up more of them even if it means that many will fail. You can read the entire post here (http://thinkchangeindia.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/op-ed-microfinance-revisited-and-its-role-in-reaching-the-missing-middle/).

If you enjoy this piece, I encourage you to post it for your readers and to check ThinkChange India out in the future as well.

Best,

Vinay

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