Thursday, August 14, 2008

What is Microfranchising?

Microfranchising is one of the latest developments in the social venture industry. By creating a scaleable simple small business plan which impoverished entrepreneurs are able to run and escape from poverty. It also helps to stimulate the economy from the bottom up.

A great example of a successful micro franchise is Vision Spring (formerly know as SCOJO Foundation). This social enterprise's business model is called business in a bag. Entrepreneur are given training in eye exams and then sell eye glasses to people in their area who lack the opportunity to get conventional medical assistance.

Visit their site to see how you can start your own micro-franchise visionspring.org
Just another example of how innovation paired with a determination to make change will empower a global future without poverty as we know it.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Innovative Social Venture Fund-Raising

I was reading Giving by Bill Clinton today and the section on Giving Time really struck me. I am not actively involved with a social venture at this point in time. We don't all have money or special skills but we all do have the same 24 hours every day. I am committing myself to spend time everyday, at least an hour to building my own social enterprise.

I would like begin a non-profit that focuses on fundraising through sms advertising. Every micro credit institution could use more funding. This system will send, via user opt-in, advertiser specials: giveaways, exclusive offers, and promotion notifications via text messages. Most importantly this would raise money in a non-intrusive way for a special causes. Using technology to make the world a better place in a way that is economically sound. It creates value.

We don't have to settle for the way things have been. We can be active agents of change like famous Paul Farmer. Later this week I will explain Farmer's inspiring story.

Monday, August 4, 2008

How to Start Micro Lending with Kiva.org

Have you ever asked how you can help end suffering of empoverished people in distant lands? Thanks to innovations of social entreprenuers like Matt and Jess Flannery you can easy loan a small but, vital amount to a growing small business.

A list of entreprenuer represented by a micro credit institution are listed ranging store owners to fishermen. As a lender you chose one and select the amount you wish to lend. Boasting a 99.7% collection on loans you will be able to re-loan the amount.

According to internet statitics, as of July 27, 2008, Kiva acquired around $37,281,060 in loans from over 320,425 lenders. Funding a total of 52,847 loans. It is estimated that the average loan size is about $480.44

Kiva.org is a social venture enjoying great success. It has quickly become one of the most visited sites on the web. It's clean simple design, clear instructions, and personification of micro-lending has fueled its burning success and allowed thousands of people to make a difference.

Visit kiva.org to start micro-lending.