Yunus Video from AshokaDVD

Check out Ashoka's terrific video library.

http://www.youtube.com/user/AshokaDVD

Here is a video from Dr. Yunus defining limitations of current system for starting social business and pointing out current lack of institutions that support social biz development.



It is a general description of the current challenging environment for starting Social Business Enterprise with an inspirational ending, rather than being full of answers and examples. He effectively points out that there is no shortage of entrepreneurial activity around social business, what is lacking is institutional support.

A quote from the video:

"If we're going to run a social businesses enterprise right now we run into alot of problems because we have not set up supportive institutions alongside."

and...
"There will be initial problems, but if it sticks, if it grows, you can create your own world."

Create your own world! love that...
enjoy...
Kala

Haitian microcredit just says no to kiva

I have been learning about Haiti lately. Too much to say about that "topic" in this blog - as if you can refer to the incredible human suffering taking place a short plane ride from Miami with such an impersonal word as "topic"

I emailed Leigh Carter, the ED of Fonkoze, a terrific microcredit group in Haiti - very well organized and professional, but no loans on Kiva? Here was her response.

from my email:

By the way, I am sure you are aware of Kiva and similar sites like OptInNow. I looked for Haitian loans recently on both of those sites and did not see any. Do you know why that might be?

[Leigh Carter] For now, here is our explanation around why we are not currently a partner with Kiva:

Fonkoze has analyzed whether partnering with Kiva is a prudent strategy for advancing its mission, and at this time (especially as the organization is faced with massive hurricane recovery) is not prepared to establish such a partnership.

The most important reasons for this decision, based on discussions with industry experts and organizations that have worked with Kiva, are as follows:
(1) Kiva's reporting requirements appear relatively burdensome,
(2) Fonkoze does not want to take on more foreign exchange exposure (dollar denominated debt) at this time (and is prioritizing securing debt in local currency, savings mobilization, and equity infusions),
(3) Fonkoze does not believe that Kiva has taken adequate steps on privacy issues vis-à-vis micro-loan recipients (though there has been some progress), and
(4) as a matter of principle and operational workability, Fonkoze believes that decisions on the approval and timing of individual loan disbursements should be determined by the borrower, her solidarity group, and the local loan officer rather than by Kiva. To the extent Kiva addresses these limitations of its model, Fonkoze and many other MFIs that do not now participate are likely to do so in the future.