Kiva, fresh off its expansion into higher education loans and one year after its entrance into the U.S. market, is moving full speed ahead to help Gulf Coast entrepreneurs recover from devastating setbacks.READ»
A simple business plan based on the concept of microcredit just won Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus the Nobel Peace Prize. Yunus was awarded the prize today for the bank he founded, the Grameen Bank, which provides average loans ...READ»
For Muhammad Yunus, founder of the Grameen Bank who just won the Nobel Peace Prize, access to credit is a human right. Providing credit to the world’s poor, Yunus believes, clashes with the profit-maximizing goal of conventional ...READ»
The idea of putting people to work was largely neglected after the invasion of Iraq. Now, as debate mounts over troop withdrawals, one strategy might help fill the void.READ»
On Wednesday I started an examination of an investment strategy firm that specializes in microfinance, Minlam Asset Management. As I interviewed one of Minlam’s founders, Mike Hokenson, I noticed a reoccurring theme that I see ...READ»
Continuing the microlending work pioneered by Muhammad Yunus Bangladeshi microlending institution the Grameen Bank, grassroots financiers such as Indonesian Ishak Fatoni indicate that microlending can be macro-profitable.
But don't ...READ»
Grameen's famous Village Phone Program lifted thousands out of poverty-- and helped Muhammad Yunus win the Nobel Peace Prize. The problem: It's not working anymore.READ»
While it's a thrill for me to help engage companies in strategic philanthropy, corporate social responsibility (CSR), skilled volunteering, and other forms of giving and service, I've always believed that corporate initiatives are ...READ»
Who's that man walking through the street markets of Ecuador, trying to make $50 loans? It's Michael Chu, a former executive of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts Co., the world's most powerful leveraged buyout operator.READ»
Bhagwan Chowdhry, a Professor of Finance at UCLA's Anderson School, outlines his organization's mission to give every newborn in the world access to financial legitimacy.READ»
Introducing the Fast Company/Monitor Group Social Capitalist Award winners--25 entrepreneurs solving the world's toughest problems with creativity, ingenuity, and passion. Because they can't stand a vacuum.READ»
Organization
What It Does
Results
Grade
ACCION International
CEO: María Otero
www.accion.org
Winner's Statement
Trains banks around the world to be microfinance partners, making small loans ...READ»
How do you solve the world's problems? With creativity, passion, and the savvy to turn scarce resources into big impact. Meet the winners of the 2005 Fast Company/Monitor Group Social Capitalist Awards.READ»
When I graduated from my socially conscious liberal arts college, it seemed like every other graduate wanted to go to South America or India and work on micro-enterprise projects with local women. One friend even found a venture ...READ»
Earlier this week, the Washington DC based Grameen Foundation unveiled the Village Phone Direct Assistance Center -- a new initiative to continue its ongoing efforts to combat poverty worldwide through enabling and improving access ...READ»
Accion International
Entrepreneurship: A-
Innovation: A
Social Impact: A+
Aspiration: B+
Sustainability: B+
Boston, Massachusetts
Maria Otero, President and CEO
www.accion.org
"We have taken traditional ...READ»
