Sponsored by the
Citi Foundation and administered by
GlobaLens, this year’s global competition attracted over 150 people who
entered individually or as part of a team. Entrants represented more than 50 universities and 11 countries.
GlobaLens has recently released the following award-winning cases about business strategies
aimed at alleviating poverty, especially in the developing world.
FIRST PLACE: $3,500
BTPN: Banking for the Bottom of the Pyramid in Indonesia
(Submitted by the University of Virginia / McIntire School of Commerce)
BTPN President Jerry Ng faces the dilemma of how to grow the business and continue its social mission through microfinance. Should BTPN expand its micro-lending services for base-of-the-pyramid businesses and other low-income customers?
SECOND PLACE: $2,500Hydraid: Safe Water for the Base of the Pyramid
(Submitted by Grand Valley State University / Seidman College of Business)Triple Quest searches for the best business model to distribute the proprietary Hydraid water filtration system. They prefer a for-profit model that would support entrepreneurial activity within base-of-the-pyramid markets.
THIRD PLACE: $1,000ayzh at a Crossroad: Maternal Health for Whom?
(Submitted by Colorado State University / College of Business)ayzh is a social venture focused on providing products that improve maternal health in base-of-the-pyramid countries. An opportunity for global expansion can maximize the impact of their product, but could change their social enterprise business model.
HONORABLE MENTION:Community Enterprise Solutions: Replicating the Microconsignment Model
(Submitted by Brigham Young University / Marriott School of Management)The founding and growth of an NGO started with the founder's experiences in the Peace Corps. While in Guatemala, he identified opportunities for entrepreneurial businesses designed to employ local workers and attract more tourist dollars.
HONORABLE MENTION:Mushrooms as a Viable Product for Poverty Alleviation in Tanzania
(Submitted by Royal Roads University / School of Business)Simon Mkao must choose a business model for expanding his small-scale mushroom farming operations. This case focuses on mechanisms for alleviating poverty and addressing food security issues within small-scale farming in Tanzania's Kilimanjaro region.
