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Women as Microfinance Leaders, Not Just Clients

Harvard Business Review

We're a network of microfinance organizations; we exist to share practices and develop the leadership skills required by a sector that has grown up fast. And as you might be aware, microfinance is a phenomenon that, while it did not set out to be "for women," has mainly turned out to be.

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Businesses Serving the Poor Need to Get Over Their Unease About Profit

Harvard Business Review

Business cost structures in low-income markets are daunting: Operational expenses such as distribution frequently dwarf the costs that companies face in developed markets, while customer acquisition and retention often demand unusually intense — and costly — levels of consumer engagement. The result has been explosive growth.

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It Takes a Village to Raise an Entrepreneur

Harvard Business Review

These hybrids pursue a social mission while engaging in commercial activities that generate revenues that help them sustain their operations. Frogtek and many other hybrids sell goods and services, and rely on revenues to sustain and scale their operations. Take, for example, the issue of economic development.

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It's Not All About Growth for Social Enterprises

Harvard Business Review

One way to tell the story of mothers2mothers' growth is as follows: since 2001, the organization has expanded its operations to nine countries with an approximately $20 million operating budget. In fact, where Mentor Mothers are present, transmission rates are on average 9%, compared to the UNAIDS 2010 estimate of 27%.