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How Can I Start My Own Business?

Strategy Driven

The nature of the business world is a competitive one and thus requires the right amount of research if you plan on entering it. Conducting market research along with taking the time to do a full competitive analysis as it pertains to your business is vital to the success of your company. Develop a Clear Business Plan.

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How to Raise Money as a Business

Strategy Driven

To prepare for raising money, it is essential to be clear on your business plan. This plan needs to clearly outline your company’s goals, operations, and financial projections. You should also prepare some insights about your market and competition. How can I make my business more attractive to potential investors?

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The Microfinance Contagion Scenario

Harvard Business Review

So far, the Andhra Pradesh (AP) microfinance crisis has largely been viewed as a local issue, with relatively little impact beyond AP or India's borders. Other microfinance crises, in Bolivia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, and Bosnia, have not spread beyond the borders of a particular country. That could likely have consequences.

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Entrepreneurs: You're More Important Than Your Business Plan

Harvard Business Review

"Would you take a look at my business plan?". And we are often happy to review these start-up plans — which include the typical elements such as a product description, competitive analysis, estimate of market size, and projected financials. But we are interested in much more than these traditional plans. Importance.

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How Large NGOs Are Using Data to Transform Themselves

Harvard Business Review

“At the time we started our new global strategic plan, we calculated it would take well over 100 years for most of the countries where Habitat works to eliminate the quantitative and qualitative housing deficit at their current rate,” said Weir. A critical part was adapting a proven model in a related field: microfinance.

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Global Entrepreneurs Need New Funding Models

Harvard Business Review

The White House has called this gap between the demand and supply of finance for small and medium enterprises a "market failure.[and] Some microfinance organizations are also moving out of the purely micro and toward larger lending. and] a serious constraint on efforts to promote strong and sustainable global recovery.".

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Funders Can Give More than Money

Harvard Business Review

Six years ago, David and Donna Allman approached Opportunity with an idea that fell outside our traditional microfinance model: to build a Community Economic Development (CED) program in Nicaragua. On a recent trip, he briefed me on his business plan and on the school's operations with the maturity and confidence of a seasoned entrepreneur.