Justmeans's blogshttp://www.justmeans.com/editorials/socialenterprise/3.htmlFri, 10 Feb 2012 20:16:02 GMThttp://www.justmeans.com en hourly 1http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Enterprise--Top-London-Restaurants--Bars-and-Hotels-Start-the-Straw-Wars/51902.htmlFri, 17 Feb 2012 03:30:47 GMTSangeeta Haindl Some of London's top restaurants, bars and hotels have created a social enterprise campaign to try to reduce the daily waste of used plastic drinking straws by encouraging others in the hospitality and fast food industry to get involved with this initiative. Straws are an eco menace as they are often found discarded in the streets and on Britain's beaches as they travel down drains, ending up in rivers and oceans, impacting marine life. The initiative is the brainchild of leading bars, restauran Read Full Article ]]> Some of London's top restaurants, bars and hotels have created a social enterprise campaign to try to reduce the daily waste of used plastic drinking straws by encouraging others in the hospitality and fast food industry to get involved with this initiative. Straws are an eco menace as they are often found discarded in the streets and on Britain's beaches as they travel down drains, ending up in rivers and oceans, impacting marine life. The initiative is the brainchild of leading bars, restaurants and hotels in Soho - one of the densest and busiest areas for eating out and drinking in the UK.While there are no figures for the number of plastic straws that contribute to the total amount of plastic waste, it is impacting urban and rural life. The restaurants behind this social enterprise, which is being coined "straw wars," are stopping automatically handing out plastic straws to customers, and only giving them out when requested. Campaigners have also flagged their concern about consumer behaviour, as people often take more straws than they need from dispensers.Emma Snowden, Litter Campaigns Officer, at the Marine Conservation Society, says, "We see so much single use plastic appear in the sea and on beaches in our surveys. In the case of straws that are given out routinely, the product may have been manufactured and then disposed of without even a single use - this represents a senseless waste of resource as well as a waste management issue. Plastic is a huge problem for our marine wildlife and makes up over 60% of all the litter we find on UK beaches, particularly single use plastic such as bags...if everyone took responsibility to dispose of their litter correctly in the first place it would help massively." This social enterprise initiative aims to eliminate the unnecessary single-use plastic, creating a cleaner environment for London's Soho area.This is an ambitious social enterprise project that ultimately benefits local businesses, customers and the environment in the long term. However, some argue that the use of plastic straws is a hygienic alternative. In the UK alone, on average 3.5 million McDonald's customers per day buy a drink with a straw. This means 3.5 million straws a day are discarded just by McDonald's customers. While scientists' estimate that every year at least one million seabirds, 100,000 marine mammals and sea turtles die when they entangle themselves in or ingest plastic pollution.The people behind this social enterprise scheme believes that by reducing the disposal of single use plastic, such a simple action will not only save on overheads, but will also have far reaching and positive effect on the planet. Billions of straws are discarded yearly, filtering into landfill and littering oceans, all which is bad for the environment as plastics can't biodegrade and can last indefinitely. It can break down into smaller pieces, feeding into the food chain and potentially ending up on our dinner plates!Photo Credit: xlibber]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Enterprise-Shaking-Up-the-Business-Eco-Energy-Industry/51898.htmlThu, 16 Feb 2012 03:30:07 GMTSangeeta Haindl Two emerging social enterprise financing methods are revolutionising the renewable energy business sector, creating models that could work for a range of energy sources. The first introduction is to Solar Mosaic. It has taken a crowd-funding approach to solar, similar to Kickstarter, the platform that gives people the power to fund creative projects. Solar Mosaic works in the same way. It helps people to support local solar developments and earn a return on their investment once the solar has be Read Full Article ]]> Two emerging social enterprise financing methods are revolutionising the renewable energy business sector, creating models that could work for a range of energy sources. The first introduction is to Solar Mosaic. It has taken a crowd-funding approach to solar, similar to Kickstarter, the platform that gives people the power to fund creative projects. Solar Mosaic works in the same way. It helps people to support local solar developments and earn a return on their investment once the solar has been installed.The other social enterprise model is 'Solar Garden,' an approach that enables people currently without the option of putting solar on their roofs to reap the rewards of solar power. These could be people who rent, or who live in historical buildings, or who are in a homeowners association, or whose roofs aren't positioned to make efficient use of the sun. The idea is to use marginalised or empty land to install solar panels, creating community 'solar gardens,' which enables locals to pay to be members of the garden and receive credit from the local utility for generating solar energy.The first such U.S. solar garden social enterprise initiative is in Colorado, where an old landfill is being given a second life as a community solar garden. Three-and-a-half acres of the 40-acre site will soon host 500 kw of solar panels, all owned by local residents who will be seeing an average 10 percent reduction on their energy bills (the panels cost$550, with a minimum purchase of two panels). Recent changes to legislation in Colorado and Massachusetts have made solar gardens possible and California is currently considering legislation that would do the same.The 'Solar Garden' social enterprise idea isn't just about making everyone feel like they're a part of the solar energy push; it is also about making small-scale solar developments less risky for banks. Daniel Rosen, Co-Founder of Solar Mosaic, is enthusiastic about the crowd-funding approach to solar and a big believer in social enterprise innovating business models. He says, "Solar lends itself to an innovative financing model, which is decentralized, democratised and agile. These are the business models that matter in the 21st century. Look at what Facebook did literally overnight to the media industry. It empowered every person to be their own media clearinghouse."So, just maybe we could see a similar trend happen when energy meets the web and mobile innovations, making it an even bigger opportunity than Facebook. Why bigger? Well, because energy and finance are the largest markets in the world. We have seen the digital age transform nearly every other industry, and right now the renewable energy sector is shackled by dated, 19th-century energy sources and business models without the dynamism and creativity of social enterprise.Photo Credit: jardenberg ]]>http://www.justmeans.com/The-Indian-Temple-of-Social-Innovation/51895.htmlTue, 14 Feb 2012 03:30:07 GMTSangeeta Haindl This is a wonderful story of where social innovation meets religion, set in the temple town of Tirumala, in the State of Andra Pradesh in India. Here the dazzling gold-plated temple of Lord Venkateshwara, one of Hinduism's holiest and richest shrines, is using its religious influence and economic power to change the way energy is used here. The temple has an annual income of $340M, mostly from donations, as 50,000-100,000 people visit daily. The heavy visitor traffic puts huge pressure on local Read Full Article ]]> This is a wonderful story of where social innovation meets religion, set in the temple town of Tirumala, in the State of Andra Pradesh in India. Here the dazzling gold-plated temple of Lord Venkateshwara, one of Hinduism's holiest and richest shrines, is using its religious influence and economic power to change the way energy is used here. The temple has an annual income of $340M, mostly from donations, as 50,000-100,000 people visit daily. The heavy visitor traffic puts huge pressure on local resources such as water and electricity.So the temple is promoting the use of eco-social innovation technologies and will develop the reserve forests around the temple to become carbon sinks (a carbon sink is anything that absorbs more carbon that it releases). LV Subramanyam, Executive Officer of the Temple Trust says, "We currently use a mix of conventional and non-conventional energy sources. Our aim is make the place more reliant on sustainable sources of energy. Most of our devotees are progressive. In a religious place like Tirumala, we can set the example by going green. Probably the impact will be much more than normal government advertisements or publicity."The community kitchen is open all day. It is the biggest social innovation, green project for the temple, and provides free meals for visitors. It is estimated that 50,000 kilos of rice and lentils are cooked daily. To help with this mammoth task there are rows of solar dishes on the temple roof which move automatically to capture the sunlight. This energy is used to convert water into high pressure steam, which cooks the food in the kitchen below. It generates over 4,000kgs of steam a day at 180 C, making cooking faster and cheaper. As a result, an average of 500 litres of diesel fuel is saved each day.Switching to green social innovation technologies the temple cuts its carbon emissions and earns a carbon credit, which it can sell. Badal Shaw, Managing Director, Gadhia Solar Energy Systems, which set up the solar cookers, estimates that this has resulted in a reduction of more than 1,350kgs of green house gases in the atmosphere. He says, "This was the first project to get a gold standard certification. It's a registered project and is issuing carbon credits." Now, a local company called Green Energy Solutions wants to develop multiple wind farms to supply the entire temple's energy. The temple city has been identified as a future 'low-carbon footprint city' by European Aid and Development, which works under the European Commission.The temple is unique because devotees are known to make generous donations of cash and resources, and has found that non-resident Indians are keen to donate sustainable technology. Therefore, the temple wants to facilitate these donations and translate them into wind farms, which will means the entire complex will run on green energy. It believes it's important to educate its pilgrims about social innovation and sustainable sources of energy, and that that knowledge will create more awareness about renewable energy.Photo Credit: Wikipedia ]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Innovation-in-the-Philippines/51890.htmlMon, 13 Feb 2012 03:30:50 GMTSangeeta Haindl This social innovation story takes us to the Philippines, to the Liter of Light project, which was launched in July 2011 by the My Shelter Foundation with a mission to tackle the rising cost of electricity and to provide one million homes with light through its sunlight-powered bulbs made from old plastic bottles. It has already succeeded in lighting up approximately 25,000 low-income homes.In the Philippines 40% of the population lives off less than $2 a day; the rising cost of power leaves man Read Full Article ]]> This social innovation story takes us to the Philippines, to the Liter of Light project, which was launched in July 2011 by the My Shelter Foundation with a mission to tackle the rising cost of electricity and to provide one million homes with light through its sunlight-powered bulbs made from old plastic bottles. It has already succeeded in lighting up approximately 25,000 low-income homes.In the Philippines 40% of the population lives off less than $2 a day; the rising cost of power leaves many unable to afford electricity. Many are forced to use candles as a light source, which can be risky, as it is not uncommon to hear of fire accidents that occur through candles-driven fires, which then destroy whole communities. The My Shelter Foundation is a Philippines-based, not-for-profit with strong social innovation plans to bring light to the 12 million homes that are either still without light or are on the verge of having their electricity cut off.One of the organisation's social innovation schemes is to use plastic bottles filled with a solution of bleached water, installed into holes that have been made in the corrugated iron roofs of these poor communities. These bottles then reflect the equivalent of 55W of sunlight into a room during the day. It only takes five minutes to make, using a hammer, rivets, metal sheets, sandpaper and resin adhesive. Importantly, it only costs $1 to produce.Ilac Diaz, My Shelter Foundation Founder and social entrepreneur, believes in the importance of using appropriate social innovation and green technologies for poor countries. He says, "The challenge is how the developing world can come up with its own model to limit emissions of carbon. We can't afford to buy imported, patented or manufactured solutions from the developed world and can't afford to wait until they become affordable." The idea of using plastic bottles as a light source is not a new one, as it was developed in Brazil by Alfredo Moser in 2002. However, with the help of a group of students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in the U.S. the solar bulb used in the Philippines has been modified to meet local needs.This programme is also creating jobs, and from starting out with teaching and contracting one unemployed person to make the first 1000 bottles, it has now evolved into an ongoing social innovation scheme that has created more than 20 jobs. It has proved that one person can change their village . . . lighting up and improving people's lives. Photo Credit: My Shelter Foundation Main Website]]>http://www.justmeans.com/A-Social-Entrepreneur-Giving-Women-in-India-Dignity/51744.htmlFri, 10 Feb 2012 03:30:47 GMTSangeeta Haindl One Indian social entrepreneur has given women from low income groups in India dignity, by making it possible for them to afford to buy sanitary towels and provide them with an income at the same time. Arunachalam Muruganantham is the person who changed things. From a poor background in the South of India, he created the world's first low-cost machine to produce sanitary towels. According to a report by market research group AC Nielsen, "Sanitary Protection: Every Woman's Health Right", 88% of w Read Full Article ]]> One Indian social entrepreneur has given women from low income groups in India dignity, by making it possible for them to afford to buy sanitary towels and provide them with an income at the same time. Arunachalam Muruganantham is the person who changed things. From a poor background in the South of India, he created the world's first low-cost machine to produce sanitary towels. According to a report by market research group AC Nielsen, "Sanitary Protection: Every Woman's Health Right", 88% of women in India are driven to use ashes, newspapers, sand husks and dried leaves during their periods. As a result of these unhygienic practices, more than 70% of women suffer from reproductive tract infections, increasing the risk of contracting associated cancers.Muruganantham's research into sanitary towels as a social entrepreneur began when saw his wife using filthy rags as it was her only option between buying towels for herself or buying milk for the family. It was then that Muruganantham decided to create a low-cost towel for his wife. He presented his 'creations' to his wife, but she, along with other female family members, refused to discuss it with him. So, with no women wanting to discuss his handmade sanitary towels, Muruganantham tested it himself by collecting goat's blood from a butcher shop; he wore a bladder-tube contraption and women's underwear for a week. Unsatisfactory results prompted him to try another approach. His breakthrough came at the end of two years of testing different materials.Muruganantham re-engineered a sanitary machine, and in 2006 it won the award for the best innovation for the betterment of society from the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai. Plus, he also received an Indian presidential award for innovation. Currently more than 600 machines made by his start-up company, Jayaashree Industries, are installed across 23 states in India. This social entrepreneur sells the 1,600 machines directly to rural women through the support of bank loans and not-for-profit organisations. A machine operator can learn the entire towel-making process in three hours and then employ three others to help with processing and distribution.A basic machine produces 1,000 sanitary towels a day while the pneumatic device has an output of 3,000. Women pack around six to eight towels in a packet and sell them for as little as 13 rupees (16p). On average, each woman earns the equivalent of 30 to 65 a month; in comparison, farm workers earn between 35p and 85p a day! This system is based on a social entrepreneur structure of woman-to-woman where women making the towels spread awareness of the product, helping others to start using this hygienic way. Muruganantham says, "Setting-up 100,000 units will generate employment for one million women. No one is bothered about uneducated and illiterate people. Through this model, they can live with dignity." His hard work has paid off, not only changing lives but saving them, too. Impressively, in spite of numerous offers, this social entrepreneur refuses to sell his innovation to the corporate world.Photo Credit: Meanest Indian]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Innovation--A-New-Way-of-Doing-Your-Laundry-With-Super-Wash-Balls/51741.htmlThu, 09 Feb 2012 03:30:20 GMTSangeeta Haindl The Super Wash Ball is one of the latest social innovation products to help us with our laundry, especially as this time-consuming and tedious task of getting our clothes clean exposes us to a host of chemicals through detergents. People are choosing to use earth-friendly products to get their items clean, as they have increasing environmental concerns. One product to turn things round is the Super Wash Ball, made by a South Korean company called Biocera.Natural social innovation and eco-friendl Read Full Article ]]> The Super Wash Ball is one of the latest social innovation products to help us with our laundry, especially as this time-consuming and tedious task of getting our clothes clean exposes us to a host of chemicals through detergents. People are choosing to use earth-friendly products to get their items clean, as they have increasing environmental concerns. One product to turn things round is the Super Wash Ball, made by a South Korean company called Biocera.Natural social innovation and eco-friendly home laundry products have been around for years. However, this revolutionary product, the Super Wash Ball uses natural patent ceramic technology combined with patent water technology to eliminate bacteria as well as increasing the cleaning effect of water, raising pH levels to remove stains without using any laundry detergents. The Ball attracts dirt to it and lifts the dirt from the clothes. Traditional detergents contain a number of polluting ingredients, which can wreck havoc on both the environment and some people's skin. Most people are not aware, but even after a washing machine rinses and spins, a lot of detergent residue still remains on the clothes.The Super Wash Ball is designed as a round shape in order to minimise the damage of laundry. It claims to be hygienic through the influence of its antibacterial effects that elimate mould and bacteria in the washer, as well as increasing the cleaning effect of water. Its social innovation impact is that when compared with the normal washing process, it not only reduces the use of synthetic detergents, but it also saves water, electricity and time. The ingredients in laundry detergents first came under scrutiny in the late '60s after bodies of water were found to be polluted and the remains of soap gunk were attributed largely to phosphates in detergents. In time, phosphates were banned in laundry detergents. Today, many products available contain an alphabet soup of toxicity, such as NPE (nonylphenoxyethoxylate), a petroleum-derived non-ionic surfactant; chlorine bleach; LAS (linear alkylbenzenesulfonate), a petroleum-derived anionic surfactant; and synthetic fragrances, which can contain toxic substances like phthalates. You would use this Ball like you would do any normal washing in the machine: loading the washing machine and instead of using detergent you use this social innovation Ball. If the weight of the load exceeds 8.5 kg you use two Balls.So this social innovation Super Wash Ball appears far more attractive! It's economical, friendly to use, and helps to reduce the damage of clothes in washing and skin conditions. They last up to 1100 one-hour washing cycles, which works out to two to three years. All you need to do is dry the Super Wash Balls in the sun once a month to keep them fresh. Interested? Want one? They can be bought through QVC and soon through various U.S. retailers.Photo Credit: Well Green Life]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Innovation-Launches-Solar-Ships/51738.htmlTue, 07 Feb 2012 03:30:35 GMTSangeeta Haindl There has been a lot said and written about social innovation in cars and aeroplanes, but what about the sea vessels that belch out huge amounts of pollution into the seas? Well, an Australian company called Solar Sailor has created the Solar Eagle: the world's first hybrid powered ferry fleet that could transform the future of marine travel. The ferries can be found in Hong Kong and use technology similar to that used in hybrid cars. There are other solar-powered ships in operation like the cat Read Full Article ]]> There has been a lot said and written about social innovation in cars and aeroplanes, but what about the sea vessels that belch out huge amounts of pollution into the seas? Well, an Australian company called Solar Sailor has created the Solar Eagle: the world's first hybrid powered ferry fleet that could transform the future of marine travel. The ferries can be found in Hong Kong and use technology similar to that used in hybrid cars. There are other solar-powered ships in operation like the catamaran, Turanor PlanetSolar, which is circumnavigating the globe exclusively by harnessing the power of the sun.The Solar Eagle and its three similar ferries use a grid of solar panels on their roofs and form electricity created by the solar panels stored in a battery that powers the engine when the vessel comes in and out of the harbour. Once out in the ocean, a faster clip is required and that's when the diesel starts. One of the fleet, the Solar Albatross, has two of its sails covered in solar panels, which are used to harness both the sun and wind to further reduce reliance on fossil fuel. This social innovation solar-sail technology is also in use in two ferries in Shanghai and Sydney.Robert Dane, Solar Sailor's founder believes this technology gives ship owners huge fuel savings with the potential to be used on all types of vessels, from ferries and luxury yachts to big shipping carriers and navy patrol ships. He says, "I think in 50 to 100 years all ships will have solar sails. It just makes so much sense. You're out there on the water and there's so much light bouncing around and there's a lot more energy in the wind than in the sun".Mr Dane says the company will soon announce a trial with an Australian mining company to attach a 40m (130ft) tall solar sail to a newly built bulk carrier that will ship iron ore and other raw materials to China. By harnessing the wind, the company estimates that the giant social innovation sail could reduce 20% to 40%, or around A$3m (2m; $3.1m), off a ship's annual fuel bill when travelling at 16 knots (18mph), with the solar panels contributing an extra 3% to 6% saving.This social innovation technology has the potential to clean up the shipping industry, which environmental campaigners claim emits more greenhouse gases than commercial aviation! Roughly 50,000 ships carry 90% of the world's trade cargo, and these ships burn heavily polluting oil known as bunker fuel as their powerful engines run on a cheap dirty fuel. Governments have found it difficult to regulate the shipping industry because it does not fall into one jurisdiction. However, the United Nations International Maritime Organisation has recently introduced new regulations on fuel efficiency and sulphur emissions that could drive demand for Solar Sailor's technology.Photo Credit: Solar Sailor Main Website]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Enterprise-Supports-Global-Education-Efforts/51834.htmlMon, 06 Feb 2012 21:49:44 GMTVikas Vij Social enterprise is an effective tool to help meet the challenges of global education. This is the finding of a recent McGraw-Hill Research Foundation policy paper, "How Social Entrepreneurship is Helping Improve Education Worldwide." It shows how social entrepreneurship is providing practical and effective solutions to education issues in both the developed and developing nations.Social enterprise in the last decade has been increasingly viewed as a promising way to resolve some of the world's Read Full Article ]]> Social enterprise is an effective tool to help meet the challenges of global education. This is the finding of a recent McGraw-Hill Research Foundation policy paper, "How Social Entrepreneurship is Helping Improve Education Worldwide." It shows how social entrepreneurship is providing practical and effective solutions to education issues in both the developed and developing nations.Social enterprise in the last decade has been increasingly viewed as a promising way to resolve some of the world's toughest problems. The policy paper of the McGraw-Hill Research Foundation outlines specific ways in which social entrepreneurs are helping improve education in the United States and other parts of the world.The policy paper has been prepared by Rupert Scofield, the President and CEO of the Foundation for International Community Assistance (FINCA). FINCA is an international microfinance network that focuses on leveraging the power of for-profit businesses to create organizations that are innovative, mission-driven, effective and sustainable.The education sector globally has struggled in recent years to cope with problems ranging from limited accessibility, achievement gap and a general deterioration in education quality standards. The failure of market forces and governments to successfully address education access and quality issues is particularly marked in the developing countries.The paper by Scofield shows how social enterprise is playing a crucial role in developing innovative solutions with an aim to enhance the quality of and access to education, both domestically and globally. Scofield makes use of case studies conducted by four organizations: The Women's Housing and Economic Development Fund, Genesys Works, The Mann Deshi Foundation and DonorsChoose.org. These case studies illustrate the benefits of social entrepreneurship and how it can make an impact on the challenges faced by the education sector.Scofield writes, "The ability of social enterprises to become financially sustainable renders them an especially relevant model in these turbulent and uncertain economic times. Budget cuts mean fewer resources for already underfunded schools and the more opportunities we have to address failures in the sector through interventions that are self-sustaining, the better off our children will be."Source: SacbeePhoto Credit: todorov40]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Enterprise-Mera-Gao-Power-Connecting-Those-Without-Power-in-India/51731.htmlMon, 06 Feb 2012 03:30:46 GMTSangeeta Haindl A social enterprise electricity and mobile charging service is giving poor farming families living in one of the poorest states, Utter Pradesh, in India, a chance to lead a different lifestyle through micro grids. It means huge improvements in quality of life for these deprived communities. The two entrepreneurs who are making it possible are Nikhil Jaisinghani and Brian Shaad. Together they have started a new type of energy company called Mera Gao Power (MGP), which is designed to meet the need Read Full Article ]]> A social enterprise electricity and mobile charging service is giving poor farming families living in one of the poorest states, Utter Pradesh, in India, a chance to lead a different lifestyle through micro grids. It means huge improvements in quality of life for these deprived communities. The two entrepreneurs who are making it possible are Nikhil Jaisinghani and Brian Shaad. Together they have started a new type of energy company called Mera Gao Power (MGP), which is designed to meet the needs of these people who currently live without light, heat or clean water, and who are forced to use kerosene as a fuel, which is both expensive and damaging to people's health. MGP provides low cost energy services by building and operating solar-powered micro grids at village level.Each household that signs up to MGP's social enterprise service receives two LED lights and one mobile-charging point in their home at a cost of 25 rupees (0.30/50 cents) per week; the setup cost is an additional one-off payment of 40 rupees (0.48/80 cents). The lights makes a huge difference to people's lives after dark, providing extra time for activities that generate income and gives children more time to study, something we take to for granted in the developed world. Mobile charging enables villagers to be connected and entertained by listening to music and watching films on their phones.Shaad explains that the need to supply lighting at such a low cost inspired their business model, yet at the same time has been a real challenge. He says, "Many social enterprises sell products such as solar lanterns or wind-up chargers to meet their customers' lighting or charging needs. But in this region, where average family incomes are rarely higher than 800-1600 rupees per month, villagers would have to put themselves into debt to purchase such products." MGP allows customers just to pay for the lighting itself, keeping their upfront costs to an absolute minimum.Through the small payments the villagers receive, they hope to gain back their investment in each micro grid system within 18 months with a projected return on investment of almost 15% over three years. To provide such low prices and still make a profit, Jaisinghani and Shaad constantly innovate their social enterprise model. Moreover, they want to reach 100,000 households with their solar service by 2016. This means installing systems in 50 villages in 2012, increasing to 1,000-2,000 over the next five years. The signs are promising as demand is starting to come to them; in fact the World Resources Institute estimates India's off-grid distributed energy marketat $2bn a year!Jaisinghani says, "We have enough investment, thanks to USAid, to reach at least 50 villages this year, but this work is capital intensive, and new rounds of investment will be essential for us to grow beyond this point". These two entrepreneurs believe in social enterprise: using the power of business to support social and environmental communities. Photo Credit: Mero Gao Power Website Picture Gallery]]>http://www.justmeans.com/India-Takes-a-New-Step-in-Social-Innovation-with-Cheap-Tablet-PC/51734.htmlFri, 03 Feb 2012 08:30:47 GMTVikas Vij India has introduced the world's cheapest tablet PC: the "Aakash," priced at $35. The tablet is the result of a collective social innovation exercise by a group of students and professors at the Indian Institute of Technology who designed the specifications for Aakash and passed it on to a manufacturer for mass production. The group is now working on enhanced versions of the tablet, and a sleeker and more power-packed tablet is already gearing up for a launch.The UK manufacturer DataWind has nam Read Full Article ]]> India has introduced the world's cheapest tablet PC: the "Aakash," priced at $35. The tablet is the result of a collective social innovation exercise by a group of students and professors at the Indian Institute of Technology who designed the specifications for Aakash and passed it on to a manufacturer for mass production. The group is now working on enhanced versions of the tablet, and a sleeker and more power-packed tablet is already gearing up for a launch.The UK manufacturer DataWind has named that tablet Ubislate 7 for the international market. The tablet runs on Android 2.2 and has a 7-inch screen. It includes microSD slots and a USB drive. DataWind has initially priced the tablet at $35 for the government of India. The goal of the low-priced tablet is to make technology accessible to every Indian. The company is hoping to sell the upgraded versions of the tablet in the UK and US markets.The earliest versions of Aakash were developed at the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Rajasthan. The project was a part of a government-supported undertaking to make computer technology affordable for Indian students. India's Education Minister, Kapil Sibal, has been a vocal supporter of this project.The Aakash project at IIT is currently managed by one of its earliest developers, Professor P.K. Kalra along with Professors Sandeep Yadav and Anupam Gupta. They are leading a team of about 170 students who are involved in various aspects of this still growing project.The team at IIT is progressing well with its development of more advanced versions of Aakash. Aakash 2 includes a superior processor, increased memory and higher onboard storage, according to Professor Gupta. It runs on Android's Gingerbread OS. Once the prototype is ready, the team will offer the design to the most competitive and capable bidding manufacturer. Professor Gupta says, "Our designs are ready. It depends on when the manufacturer is able to take up the order and finish the next one."Source: Fastcocreate]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Empowering-Local-Communities-in-Africa-through-Social-Innovation/51717.htmlFri, 03 Feb 2012 03:30:16 GMTSangeeta Haindl This is the story of TIFIE (Teaching Individuals and Families Independence through Enterprise) a social innovation, not-for-profit organisation set up by Robert Workman in 2007 in the Republic of Congo, which empowers people lives. After 30 years as a successful entrepreneur Workman wanted a focus that would more profoundly change people's lives around the world; this gave rise to TIFIE.During his extensive business experience, Workman had seen free-market concepts flourish in places all over th Read Full Article ]]> This is the story of TIFIE (Teaching Individuals and Families Independence through Enterprise) a social innovation, not-for-profit organisation set up by Robert Workman in 2007 in the Republic of Congo, which empowers people lives. After 30 years as a successful entrepreneur Workman wanted a focus that would more profoundly change people's lives around the world; this gave rise to TIFIE.During his extensive business experience, Workman had seen free-market concepts flourish in places all over the world, improving lives with fresh opportunity. He wanted to use tried-and-tested business and social innovation principles with a humanitarian ethos to provide sustainable change.It was perseverance creating this organisation in this challenging, harsh social and economic climate of the African continent. However, TIFIE evaluated the market in Congo, invested the necessary capital and created Jamaa Enterprises. This social innovation business employs more than 30 full-time individuals and over 200 temporary workers. Revenue from Jamaa Enterprises is either reinvested into the business or directed toward traditional humanitarian activities such as orphanages and schools. The TIFIE business model is sustainable, providing for jobs and charitable outreach long after TIFIE is gone. There are wonderful examples of how TIFIE has empowered people's lives. There is the story of Serge and his family who used to live in Kinshasa. Today, he has created his own business, living in Dumi on a TIFIE farm. Through GOAL ZERO he can fully power batteries and lights on the farm. He produces and sells charcoal, including Goal ZERO products to local villagers. In the Congo, charcoal is the only source of fuel for cooking and villagers make, and sell charcoal to make an income. Serge has been able to buy two hectors of land near the TIFIE farm, and plans to build a large home using TIFIE bricks; a big step for Serge. Owning property; raising his children in a clean and safe environment. Serge embodies the TIFIE principals of equipping individuals to see lasting change in their life.TIFIE's helps to provide employment and nutrition through the complex farming of cassava, a plant native to Brazil. However, more cassava is grown in Africa than in any other region of the world because it is a staple food for people here not just because it is nutritious, but because it is a plant that does well in regions with poor soil and little rain. TIFIE has managed to develop a social innovation production cycle that not only allows for regular high-yield production of cassava, but incorporates the planting and growing of acacia trees. Deforestation is fast becoming a severe problem in the Congo. TIFIE's achievement of finding a cassava production technique that involves planting a quarter of a million trees each year is life changing for the local people. TIFIE is an incredible resource that provides a service to help create jobs; foster and share knowledge, all which enable the local community to become independent, self sufficient and sustainable.Photo Credit: TIFIE's main website]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Innovation--Digital-Health-is-Our-Future/51645.htmlThu, 02 Feb 2012 03:30:03 GMTSangeeta Haindl Digital health is the hottest growth area in technology and social innovation. According to a study byPew Research, medical and healthcare was the third-fastest-growing category of Smartphone apps and by 2015 nearly 500 million people are expected to be using mobile healthcare apps.This year's International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) debuted products that address the needs of health-conscious populations, particularly advances in medical science targeted at the world's ageing population. Th Read Full Article ]]> Digital health is the hottest growth area in technology and social innovation. According to a study byPew Research, medical and healthcare was the third-fastest-growing category of Smartphone apps and by 2015 nearly 500 million people are expected to be using mobile healthcare apps.This year's International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) debuted products that address the needs of health-conscious populations, particularly advances in medical science targeted at the world's ageing population. The growth in mobile healthcare devices and applications has also inspired Ford, the automobile manufacturer, to integrate healthcare into its vehicles. As being informed about our health while on the go has become a real need.The "Doctor in Your Car" keynote social innovation address at CES delivered by Gary Strumolo, Global Manager of Health, Wellness, Interiors and Infotainment for Ford Research and Innovation, shed light on several research projects that Ford is working on. The car maker is developing a series of health and wellness in-car connectivity designed to empower people with self-help information while they drive. Strumolo says, "Ford has been working with leading healthcare industry partners to explore what's possible to help consumers monitor diabetes and asthma symptoms while in the car... showing that managing your well-being doesn't have to stop once you step inside your car".Leveraging the Ford SYNC connectivity platform and its ability to connect to mobile devices via Bluetooth, and to access cloud-based Internet services and Smartphone apps via voice recognition, Ford's social innovation collaborations have developed the industry-first, voice-controlled health and wellness in-car connectivity solutions. It alerts diabetics to glucose levels through audio alerts; an allergy alert app providing location-based index levels for pollen and health management services while driving. Another product that stood out at CES was a home-based device called Sonamba specifically targeted for older people. It is home technology, which enables families to share valuable conversations when time is precious. It's an easy to use screen with features similar to Facebook, such as photo-sharing and text messaging. It aims to help busy working families who are concerned about staying connected with their ageing loved ones. However, it is the SonamaPro with its special built-in social innovation health monitoring features such as the motion detectors, sound sensors and optional 24/7 personal emergency response call centre services that make it unique.The SonambaPro gives carers an insight into their aging loved ones' health through adaptable measurement tools such as blood pressure cuffs, weight scales, glucometers and spirometers. It automatically reminds older people of their medication routines and alerts distant careers via text or email when its motion/sound sensors detect any change in normal activity. Social innovation and technology is playing an increasingly critical role in improving access and affordability in the health system, particularly as the developed world deals with its ageing populations. We will need to find solutions to keep us healthy for longer, as societies globally will struggle to support or care for its ageing populations. Photo Credit: Sonamba website ]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Entrepreneurs-Invited-to-the-World-Economic-Forum/51714.htmlThu, 02 Feb 2012 00:06:40 GMTVikas Vij The World Economic Forum at Davos, an invitation-only global event usually associated with high profile industrialists and politicians, also included a number of social entrepreneurs this year. Thirty social entrepreneurs were invited to Davos to turn the focus on pressing global problems and promote environmentally and ethically responsible business practices.Essma Ben Hamidia, who was received a social entrepreneurship award in 2010 for her work in the field of microfinance in Tunisia, was amo Read Full Article ]]> The World Economic Forum at Davos, an invitation-only global event usually associated with high profile industrialists and politicians, also included a number of social entrepreneurs this year. Thirty social entrepreneurs were invited to Davos to turn the focus on pressing global problems and promote environmentally and ethically responsible business practices.Essma Ben Hamidia, who was received a social entrepreneurship award in 2010 for her work in the field of microfinance in Tunisia, was among the invitees. She said, "70 percent of our clients are women who don't have regular access to banks because they live in isolated rural areas. We give them loans to start small businesses, which often feed their families."Hamidia's goal is to help create economic opportunity for the youth in Tunisia, and she believes microloans can provide the necessary financial power to the youth to use their potential in a constructive way. She said about the problems in Tunisia: "Our country has a million unemployed youths. That leads to social problems."The number of social entrepreneurs participating at the Forum is small, but in recent years there has been an increasing level of interest in social entrepreneurship among the audience. When social entrepreneurs come face to face against global leaders in business and politics during debates on sustainable development and responsible leadership, it arouses a keen interest among the audience to understand the perspective of the social entrepreneurs.The founder and president of the World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab, set up the Schwab Foundation with a clear goal to support social enterprise. The foundation enables social entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and views and gain from each other's experiences to create more effective business models based on sustainability.The foundation's supervisory board includes a number of prominent people such as Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate who pioneered microfinance as a tool of poverty alleviation in Bangladesh in the 1970s. At this year's gathering in Davos, Yunus spent his first evening among the group of social entrepreneurs to share his experiences and knowledge.Source: DW-World.dePhoto Credit: jan-willem]]>http://www.justmeans.com/New-Social-Entrepreneurs-Program-Launched-in-UK/51690.htmlWed, 01 Feb 2012 00:32:48 GMTVikas Vij The Lloyds Banking Group has extended its financial support to the School for Social Entrepreneurs in the UK to launch a path-breaking new program to develop social enterprise.The program will be launched in April 2012, and will be run by the School of Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) with funding from the Lloyds Banking Group. The goal of this partnership is to support 500 promising social entrepreneurs across the UK over the next five years.These social entrepreneurs will receive comprehensive suppo Read Full Article ]]> The Lloyds Banking Group has extended its financial support to the School for Social Entrepreneurs in the UK to launch a path-breaking new program to develop social enterprise.The program will be launched in April 2012, and will be run by the School of Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) with funding from the Lloyds Banking Group. The goal of this partnership is to support 500 promising social entrepreneurs across the UK over the next five years.These social entrepreneurs will receive comprehensive support from the SSE to grow community and social enterprises. The program will focus on supporting 100 social entrepreneurs each year through its innovative learning programs along with a financial grant which will range between 4,000 and 25,000.New Philanthropy Capital has evaluated the previous programs run by SSE, and going by its track record, the new program could eventually impact the lives of more than 800,000 people and create 2500 new jobs with an estimated valued of 11m.Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs program aims to build a lasting legacy across the country, developing skills, networks, resources and confidence of 500 promising local individuals who are already working in their respective communities to address a social need.The Community and Sustainable Business Director of Lloyds Banking Group, Paul Turner, said: "This programme will leave a powerful legacy in communities across the UK. SSE's track record made them a partner of choice and we are incredibly proud to be able to support them in this way."The School for Social Entrepreneurs Chief Executive, Alastair Wilson, said: "We are delighted that Lloyds Banking Group has taken the lead in making such a significant commitment to supporting social entrepreneurs. Economic growth and regeneration in the UK will come from people working locally. This partnership will make a real and lasting difference."The School for Social Entrepreneurs has been supporting social enterprise efforts since 1997. It has helped its students develop social enterprises that directly address local issues that affect their communities. The participant enterprises have shown a 20 percent higher rate of survival compared to traditional businesses, which reveals the kind of impact SSE's support is making on social enterprise in the UK.Source: MyIntroducerPhoto Credit: duchesssa]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Robert-Workman--A-Social-Entrepreneur-Working-in-Africa/51642.htmlTue, 31 Jan 2012 03:30:36 GMTSangeeta Haindl There were many big social innovation news stories that came out of the 2012 International Consumer Electronic Show (CES) this January, from headlines about 3D TV to the latest tablets. There was one story that remained hidden till now...an account about social innovation and the social entrepreneur: Robert Workman shares his wisdom and thoughts. At the CES I discovered GOAL ZERO, a business that equips the outdoor adventurer with innovative portable power products, field-proven in some of the m Read Full Article ]]> There were many big social innovation news stories that came out of the 2012 International Consumer Electronic Show (CES) this January, from headlines about 3D TV to the latest tablets. There was one story that remained hidden till now...an account about social innovation and the social entrepreneur: Robert Workman shares his wisdom and thoughts. At the CES I discovered GOAL ZERO, a business that equips the outdoor adventurer with innovative portable power products, field-proven in some of the most remote places on earth, and that works to deliver smart, power solutions that enhance the adventure. Robert Workman founded GOAL ZERO when he realised the need for renewable power and light through his work with TIFIE (Teaching Individuals and Families Independence through Enterprise) in the remote regions of the Congo. Workman, a social entrepreneur, set up TIFIE in 2007: a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to creating economic development by establishing sustainable business enterprises that produce goods, services and lasting jobs.Workman is a true visionary and wise. When asked about solar energy and whether it is the future for the planet, Workman replies "the sun is one of the many things we can tap into abundantly. It is the easiest renewable energy and our best bet for now." He does not try to sell you 'solar.' GOAL ZERO is a business with soul, imbibed with Workman's social entrepreneur ethos of putting people and the planet at the centre of what it does. In the company's own words "it's a business created by people... with a shared vision inspired by the passion for adventure, respect for the planet and a humanitarian heart". Robert Workman fell in love with the people and culture of the Congo, which is why he set up TIFIE to empower people there. He knows the country is riddled with corruption and knows the changes needed. He recognises change is tough without true leadership and Africa is a place where everyone is for themselves, where corruption has permeated every level of society. At the CES, international research groups called Africa an 'emerging economical power.' Workman says, don't measure this continent the same way as China, India and Vietnam. Ever the social entrepreneur, he points out that Africa became a dumping ground for cheap, unreliable and dated products by international companies. Now, in the last two years, the locals have said 'no,' they don't want cheap, throwaway products. They want value for moneyas they work hard to earn the money to buy the products that don't last!Although Workman says Africa's technology has leaped-frogged, its infrastructure of badly built roads holds it back. The Congo is the third largest country in Africa, yet only approximately 1000km is accessible by road. This social entrepreneur knows the country's next challenge is building transportation. Being connected via roads and railways is critical and guarantees being able to transport goods from one point to another. Once this is turned round, then Africa says Workman "will explode into an economic power".Photo Credit: TIFIE Website]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Innovation-at-the-International-CES-2012/51640.htmlMon, 30 Jan 2012 03:20:39 GMTSangeeta Haindl As all the social innovation dust settles after the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES, the world's largest consumer technology show) in Las Vegas this January, I was interested to learn that the Show is very committed to clean energy and minimising waste. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) , owner and producer of the CES, announced a $75,000 donation to Green Chips and Repurpose AMERICA, both local Las Vegas not-for profit organisations. Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of CEA, Read Full Article ]]> As all the social innovation dust settles after the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES, the world's largest consumer technology show) in Las Vegas this January, I was interested to learn that the Show is very committed to clean energy and minimising waste. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) , owner and producer of the CES, announced a $75,000 donation to Green Chips and Repurpose AMERICA, both local Las Vegas not-for profit organisations. Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of CEA, says "CES is committed to sustainability, and we are extremely proud that these donations will help the environment and the Las Vegas community through the efforts of Green Chips and Repurpose AMERICA. CES is a tremendously successful event thanks to the great people and facilities of Las Vegas, and we're pleased to make this investment in sustainability to demonstrate our commitment to this great city."Green Chips supports sustainable social innovation initiatives such as solar panel installations and plans to use its $50,000 donation to help retrofit the Las Vegas Rescue Mission for solar panels. As there are more than 300 days of sunshine per year in Las Vegas, the Rescue Mission's solar panels will significantly reduce its energy bills while using clean energy. Cindy Ortega, Chair of Green Chips says, "CEA's generosity in making this award to Green Chips will make a lasting impact on the Las Vegas community for years to come".Repurpose America servicesallow for businesses and organisations tobe responsible bothsocially and environmentally. It aims toincrease income; reduce expenses; and lead the way to "zero waste" business platform. Last year, in an effort to minimise waste from the 2011 International CES, the CEA, along with Global Experience Specialists and Repurpose America, created a social innovation collaboration to capture and reuse approximately 18,000 pounds of magnetic signs, nearly 15,000 square feet of banner signs and more than 150 foam boards (three feet by eight feet).This year at CES, organisers issued second-life badge holders made from repurposed signs from last year's Show. The badge holders used nearly 24,000 square feet of repurposed vinyl signs. CEA has granted Repurpose AMERICA $25,000 to take signs and other materials from CES to build shade structures at two local community centres. Zach Delbex, CEO, Repurpose AMERICA says, "Repurposing signs from the biggest tradeshow in the Americas to help create much-needed shade structures at community institutions is an innovative sustainability solution that CEA and Repurpose AMERICA have pioneered".The CEA is the trade association promoting growth in the $190 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry and its International CES, has become the global stage for innovation and now also social innovation. Many of the exhibitors displayed products that are committed to renewable energy from solar energy that included panels, phone chargers, to sustainable accessories and devices that will help to reduce our energy consumption. The world of technology realises that consumers around the world care about the planet and looking for eco friendly products.Photo Credit: CEAEnvironmentalweb page]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Emotionally-Intelligent-Robots-to-Support-Human-Sustainability/51674.htmlSun, 29 Jan 2012 23:19:35 GMTVikas Vij Socially and emotionally intelligent robots with human-like looks are one of the latest social innovations from Japan to promote sustainability and the well-being of human society. "Matilda" and "Jack" from NEC Japan are human-looking robots that respond to human touch and communication.Matilda is a female robot that is capable of talking, dancing, singing. She even blushes. More importantly, Matilda is being trained to become a nurse to care for the elderly. Researchers at the La Trobe Universi Read Full Article ]]> Socially and emotionally intelligent robots with human-like looks are one of the latest social innovations from Japan to promote sustainability and the well-being of human society. "Matilda" and "Jack" from NEC Japan are human-looking robots that respond to human touch and communication.Matilda is a female robot that is capable of talking, dancing, singing. She even blushes. More importantly, Matilda is being trained to become a nurse to care for the elderly. Researchers at the La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia are conducting trials in nursing homes to understand how patients will interact with this new technology.One of the researchers of Matilda, Dr. Mei Tai Chu, said that a patient of dementia played quiz with Matilda and was so excited that he could even come up with a few correct answers. Dr. Chu said that emotionally intelligent robots such as Jack and Matilda were programmed to read face expressions of humans and pick up signals of anxiety and distress.Dr. Chu lifted Matilda in her arms to demonstrate its capabilities, and the robot responded by shouting. The multi-lingual robot asked Dr. Chu to put it back on the floor, otherwise it would fall. At the same time, it blushed and its cheeks turned reddish while it spoke. Dr. Chu explained that Jack and Matilda had eyes fitted with cameras and sensors in their bodies. Matilda was programmed to be sincere and blush like girls, while Jack was naughtier in comparison.Dr. Chu said, "The robots make a contact with the eyes of a person and then follow him/her if they make any movement. They communicate with the person and become their companions, especially of the elderly people. Thus, these robots have a personality." About the power source of the robots, she said that both were battery operated and could also work on electricity. "The robot has been provided with an external power cord to run power through it for allowing it to perform various applications."La Trobe University's Research Centre for Computers, Communication and Social Innovation (RCEESI) is involved in the design and development of socially and emotionally intelligent robots, or humanoids, such as Jack and Matilda. The goal is to use this technology to provide support for the sustainability and well-being of the society in critical areas such as health care and human resource management.Source: The Times of IndiaPhoto Credit: Nahhan]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Report-on-Social-Responsibility-and-Sustainability-in-Retail/51600.htmlFri, 27 Jan 2012 10:28:41 GMTVikas Vij An online meet called "Retail Leaders in Sustainability" was recently organized to discuss a new report on the sustainability of the retail industry. Retailers are increasingly looking at sustainability as an opportunity to deliver superior value to the consumers and achieve a better image in the market as a responsible business.The report on sustainability in retail was compiled on the basis of sustainability data from 30 retail members of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, which included Read Full Article ]]> An online meet called "Retail Leaders in Sustainability" was recently organized to discuss a new report on the sustainability of the retail industry. Retailers are increasingly looking at sustainability as an opportunity to deliver superior value to the consumers and achieve a better image in the market as a responsible business.The report on sustainability in retail was compiled on the basis of sustainability data from 30 retail members of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, which included IKEA, Sears, Best Buy, The Home Depot, Walmart, Target and Gap Inc. One of the key findings of the report is that retailers across the spectrum are looking at ways to attain sustainability.Retailers find it challenging to attain social and environmental goals with in-house expertise, leading them to seek external consultancy and support. Stakeholders are increasingly concerned about making the retail organizations more sustainable. Unlike the past when sustainability was viewed as a way to reduce costs, now it is seen more as an opportunity for business growth. It is an effective way to differentiate the retailer in a highly competitive environment.A number of large retailers are developing long term programs in sustainability with multi-tier goals. The goals include development of sustainable infrastructure and information technology systems to enable constant improvement. Tools to help in these efforts include environmental management systems, employee engagement and training, energy and waste management, supplier scorecarding and sustainability reporting.The report shows a range of opportunities exist for retailers who pursue sustainability goals. Reduction of waste in fuel, energy, material and packaging translates into direct monetary savings for a retailer. Reduced dependence on non-renewable resources such as exhaustible fuel and materials minimizes exposure to market fluctuations and price volatility. One of the inherent advantages of pursuing sustainability goals is that it fosters an internal environment of innovation and cost reduction. Brand value and image enhancement benefits with sustainability efforts help create a distinct competitive advantage for the retailers.Source: TriplePundit.comPhoto Credit: iprole]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Enterprise-Trains-Women-Philanthropists-in-Angel-Investing/51583.htmlWed, 25 Jan 2012 03:44:23 GMTVikas Vij The Pipeline Fellowship, founded by Natalia Oberti Noguera, is a unique social enterprise with a mission to train women philanthropists to become angel investors. It provides education, mentoring and practical experience to women with a proven track record of performance in social entrepreneurship.Women who receive the Pipeline Fellowship commit to invest in a for-profit social enterprise that must be headed by a woman. At the end of the training program, the Fellows give this commitment in exch Read Full Article ]]> The Pipeline Fellowship, founded by Natalia Oberti Noguera, is a unique social enterprise with a mission to train women philanthropists to become angel investors. It provides education, mentoring and practical experience to women with a proven track record of performance in social entrepreneurship.Women who receive the Pipeline Fellowship commit to invest in a for-profit social enterprise that must be headed by a woman. At the end of the training program, the Fellows give this commitment in exchange for equity and a board seat. The Pipeline Fellowship describes its mission as diversifying of the investor pool and connecting women social entrepreneurs with investors.The Fellowship has recently announced its NYC Pipeline Fellowship class of 2012. The class will include 20 women from diverse sectors such as finance, real estate, media, consulting and non-profit organizations. The program will commence on February 10 with a conference on angel investing. The program will also include a number of work sessions and social networking events for the fellows.The Pipeline Fellowship also invites woman-led for-profit social enterprises that are keen to make a presentation at one of its Pitch Summit Series. To become eligible for this opportunity, the social enterprise must at least be co-founded and co-owned by a woman, must have a for-profit legal structure, and must demonstrate a social and/or environmental mission.To become eligible for the Pipeline Fellowship, three key criteria laid out are that the candidate must meet one of the accredited investor definitions, demonstrate an interest in the group learning model and a passion for social change and/or philanthropy. A majority of Fellows chosen have no prior experience in angel investing. Candidates are driven by the three key parts of the program, which include education, mentoring and practice.The Pipeline Fellows gain an advantage from the diversity of each participating individual. Fellows range in a wide age band from twenties to sixties, and come from diverse professional backgrounds. Fellows in the past have included a private dental practitioner, a small business owner, a tech worker, a consultant, an art dealer, and even a stay at home mom.Sources:BetaBeatPipeline FellowshipPhoto Credit: Marinela]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Rothschild-Foundation-Expands-its-Network-of-Social-Enterprises-in-India/51539.htmlSun, 22 Jan 2012 11:04:24 GMTVikas Vij Swiss-based Edmond de Rothschild Foundation, a global network of venture philanthropy, is expanding its role in India. The foundation's focus in India it to support Indian social entrepreneurs by helping them receive professional training and support.The foundation's CEO, Firoz Ladak, commented on their India focus, "We give roughly $15- $20 million a year. Next three years budgeted commitment for a $1 million for India." The foundation has already being piloting investments in India for the las Read Full Article ]]> Swiss-based Edmond de Rothschild Foundation, a global network of venture philanthropy, is expanding its role in India. The foundation's focus in India it to support Indian social entrepreneurs by helping them receive professional training and support.The foundation's CEO, Firoz Ladak, commented on their India focus, "We give roughly $15- $20 million a year. Next three years budgeted commitment for a $1 million for India." The foundation has already being piloting investments in India for the last two years. Ladak says that social entrepreneurship is emerging just the way microfinance did over two decades ago. For the Rothschild Foundation, the focus is very clearly on supporting social enterprises that are making a demonstrable social impact, and aiming at financial self-sustainability.The foundation identifies such social enterprises and helps them build scale so that they become self-sustaining and gradually become free of charitable donations and government grants and subsidies. The foundation currently supports a network of social enterprises called Unlimited India. Through this network, it provides financial support to social entrepreneurs with promising ideas but lack of funding to implement those ideas.Unlimited India serves as an effective platform for such social entrepreneurs where they can meet, exchange their ideas, explore solutions to common problems, train with each other, and receive expert advice from social consultants, financial experts and lawyers. The professionals who associated with Unlimited India provide their support pro bono. The program current supports about 50 social entrepreneurs from different parts of the country through this endeavor.Financial support is provided to these social entrepreneurs, with loans in the range of $20,000 to $30,000, depending on the size and scale of the project. The recipients are identified on the basis of their promising projects and commitments, and it is pre-determined that the recipients are unable to receive funding from elsewhere due to a lack of credit history.Ladak believes that the financial institutions and banking sector in India are not doing enough to promote these disadvantaged social entrepreneurs. The financial support through Unlimited India can help demonstrate the capabilities of these borrowers and provide them with a credit history when they pay back the loans to the lender.Source:The Economic TimesPhoto Credit: k_vohsen]]>