Stories of brave women and men, diving into the crazy journey of entrepreneurship, just because they believe in the power of innovation and solutions.

Today, let’s meet Gina, a woman from the Philippines that joined one of the incubation program powered by VISA and Bridge for Billions in this region, during 2023.

When Gina Ramos started Topline Enterprises in 2019, she was fueled by more than just an entrepreneurial spirit—she was driven by a passion for the planet.

In a cozy chat with our team, Gina opened up about her journey and shared some golden nuggets on building a business that’s not only profitable but also kind to earth.

The Spark Behind Topline Enterprises

Topline’s story began with a simple yet powerful mission: to revolutionize lighting with eco-friendly solutions, particularly since in several areas of the Philippines many still live without reliable electricity. Gina’s eyes light up when she talks about her motivation. It’s clear that for her, Topline is more than a business—it’s a calling to combat environmental issues.

Connecting with Hearts, Not Just Wallets

Gina believes the secret sauce to Topline’s growth has been genuine relationships. “It’s not just about making a sale,” she says, emphasizing how they focus on connecting deeply with their clients.

This approach has turned happy customers into vocal advocates, significantly widening their reach. She also touched on the unique challenges of catering to both B2B and B2C markets, from managing bulky inventories to navigating competitive pricing pressures.

Navigating Changes and Challenges

Adapting to the e-commerce model during the pandemic was a game changer for Topline. Gina decided to move online, and this helped them stay connected with their customers and even expand their market during tough times. She’s a firm believer in being flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the business landscape.

The Transformative Power of Incubation Programs

She lights up when talking about how much Topline has benefited from incubation programs. These programs provided them with crucial resources like mentorship and networking opportunities, which were instrumental in refining their product line and scaling their operations.

Heartfelt Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those dreaming of starting their own business, Gina has a trove of advice. She stresses the importance of understanding local cultures and building trust, especially in places like the Philippines where business relationships are deeply personal. “Dive deep into the community you’re serving,” she suggests, “and always, always lead with integrity.”

She also encourages new entrepreneurs to soak up as much knowledge as possible from incubation programs and to never shy away from tweaking their business models based on real-world feedback. “Keep your vision clear, stay passionate, and never stop pushing the envelope,” she adds with a smile.

This #StoryOfBillions wants to highlight how sometimes, true success comes from serving others and protecting the planet we all share.  

At Bridge for Billions we truly want to help entrepreneurs of all kinds thrive, so they can generate new jobs and solutions for the sake of their own communities. In 2023, our work focused particularly on supporting climate solutions, powered by partners like UNEP – with whom we implemented programs throughout Africa and Asia.

You can learn more by downloading the case study here.

The post Lighting up the Philippines with Solar Power: Gina Ramos’ adventure appeared first on Bridge for Billions.

However, we pulled some data from the recent Amazon Ads report, to shed more light on how global consumers perceive brands. Let’s delve into the key insights: this might be useful to identify trends and have an overview on the actions they expect them to take.

Supporting Causes: A Priority for Consumers

An in-depth knowledge of your target’s main values may be the best strategy.

A staggering 71% of global consumers express a preference for brands that contribute to causes they care about deeply, better if through. This inclination reflects a growing trend where consumers seek to align their purchasing decisions with their values, making ethical and socially responsible brands more attractive than ever.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

An overwhelming 73% of global consumers believe it’s crucial for the brands they support to actively promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This finding underscores the increasing importance consumers place on issues of representation, equality, and social justice. Brands that champion DEI initiatives are likely to resonate more deeply with their target audience.

Credibility of Sustainability and DEI

Despite the growing emphasis on sustainability and DEI, it is interesting to see how only 58% of consumers trust the credibility of messaging from brands in these areas. This statistic highlights the importance of authenticity and transparency in brand communication. Consumers are becoming more discerning, demanding genuine commitments and tangible actions from the brands they engage with.

A significant 52% of consumers believe that brands should demonstrate their commitment to DEI through broader actions and support beyond their core offerings. This sentiment emphasizes the need for brands to go beyond token gestures and integrate DEI principles into their entire organizational culture and operations.

Key Causes Driving Consumer Engagement

Healthcare access emerges as the top cause for consumers globally, followed closely by health and wellness, economic uncertainty, environmentalism, and poverty.

Among DEI areas, gender equality and racial equity rank highest in importance for global consumers, followed by income equality and education.

Brands that address these pressing issues not only contribute to societal well-being but also enhance their appeal to socially conscious consumers.

Finally, among possible environmental concerns – one of the biggest trends at the moment – we identified climate change, plastic waste, water pollution as paramount for global consumers. Brands that take meaningful steps to address these concerns demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and resonate with environmentally conscious consumers.

As consumers continue to wield their purchasing power for social and environmental change, more and more brands must rise to the occasion, driving meaningful progress for a better world. 2024 is the perfect year to embark on an innovative journey of positioning and impact making: at Bridge for Billions we call it The new CSR Era.

Interested in learning more about how we help brands position themselves as real promoters of change? You can start by joining our newsletter here.

The post What global consumers want: brands’ perceptions trends appeared first on Bridge for Billions.

But getting here wasn’t easy. As a matter of fact, to really grasp what drives Bridge for Billions we need to delve into Pablo’s own journey.

He didn’t exactly have the smoothest upbringing. Growing up amidst some pretty turbulent dynamics, he quickly got a taste of life’s unfairness and the uncomfortable feeling of inequality. 

However, at the age of 16, fate gave him a life-changing opportunity in the form of a scholarship to the United World College-USA in New Mexico, USA. A truly transformational educational experience that came along with a powerful realization.

Looking at his fellow classmates at UWC, it was obvious they all had talent, but their previous access to opportunities was so radically different. Still aware of the privilege of such an incredible educational opportunity, he grew increasingly determined to one day ensure others could access similar life-changing opportunities.

After graduating from UWC, at the age of 18, he had another tough realization as a volunteer Maths teacher for primary school kids in a very poor village of rural India with a local NGO (check it, it’s here), where he took a gap year. He soon realized that even though good intentions are there, they’re definitely not enough to alleviate poverty at its roots. 

Pablo, you were so young yet already interested in tackling the complex issue of poverty. Can you share what sparked this passion?

In India, I saw a lot of projects and organizations aimed at helping, led mostly by people from abroad. They were doing and building things, yes, but it seemed like they weren’t always hitting the mark with what the local people truly needed. It was eye-opening to see such a big gap between their great intentions and their actual impact.

That’s when I felt a strong pull towards engineering and design. I believed that with my skills in understanding different cultures, and my training in tackling complicated technical problems, I could help close this gap. I wanted to make sure that the technological solutions we come up with really match what the people who will use them actually need.

Here’s when you win a scholarship to Brown University and start studying Mechanical Engineering and Chinese.  Also, you start developing a sort of love-hate relationship with the development world. 

Right, I got deeply involved in volunteering and international development projects, but soon noticed a recurring theme. Many people seemed to volunteer more for personal gain or social media fame rather than to make a genuine difference.

And in engineering, I saw volunteering projects like building water pumps or sanitation systems in Central America or Africa. Initially, they seemed positive to me, but then I received feedback that these projects were taking the jobs of local workers, realizing, once again, the unintentional impact of just wanting to do good. 

Frustrated by this, I shifted away from the traditional development sector or as I understood it back then “the Poverty Industry” and entered the private sector.

Went to China, worked for a British engineering and design consultancy that builds sustainable buildings, only to discover that my efforts were primarily benefiting the wealthy Chinese billionaires.

Disenchanted, I decided to deepen my engineering for development knowledge and seek better solutions, leading me to pursue a Master’s at Carnegie Mellon University in the U.S.

There’s this book you always mention from Paul Polak, “The Business Solution to Poverty”. You said that it represented a turning point in your life. 

Absolutely, that book was a game-changer for me. I’d been searching for a way to effectively tackle poverty, and Polak’s approach opened my eyes to a new avenue: focusing on business, not just technology. He points out that in wealthier areas, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) drive job creation and economic growth, whereas in poorer regions, there’s a notable absence of these SMEs, creating a ‘missing middle’.

Polak dedicated years to working with the economically disadvantaged, the bottom of the pyramid, which represents the largest but poorest group globally (~4 Billions people). His work in countries like India, Nepal, and Bangladesh with IDE (International Development Enterprises) was fascinating and inspiring. IDE transformed the lives of 19 million of the poorest people by providing affordable irrigation technology through local entrepreneurs and connecting farmers to markets. This made me think deeply about how we can foster new SMEs in underdeveloped areas to spur economic growth.

I’ll reply with another question. How is all this linked to Bridge for Billions? 

Bridge for Billions was born when I saw firsthand that entrepreneurs craft products or services for consumers they deeply understand, often fulfilling their own dreams in the process. But here’s the catch: embarking on an entrepreneurial journey is daunting, and the existing support systems are far from fair or accessible.

This is critical because if entrepreneurship is such an effective tool for tackling poverty, yet only the most privileged succeed, we’re missing out on harnessing its full potential. There’s an abundance of brilliant ideas and talent out there, but a significant gap in opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

At the same time, I noticed that the current support systems also focus on businesses that are already up and running. However, every entrepreneur starts from scratch, undergoing what’s known as the ideation and incubation phases. Without access to essential resources like business training, mentorship, and emotional support during this critical period, many would-be entrepreneurs are likely to abandon their dreams.

It’s vital to understand that knowledge on creating a robust business plan, developing effective marketing strategies, networking, and securing funding is not just beneficial, but key for the success and sustainability of future entrepreneurs and crucial for tackling poverty from its roots. This is where Bridge for Billions steps in, aiming to provide these foundational tools and support to all entrepreneurs, even those targeting the needs of those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

This “lack of knowledge and support” takes us to the first version of the Bridge for Billions platform for entrepreneurs and mentors. An educational tool crafted to support early-stage entrepreneurs of all kinds in laying solid foundations for their businesses.

It truly began to take shape two years later. In 2013, with some assistance from classmates in the E&TIM program at Carnegie Mellon University, I started developing the initial concept. By 2014, the project became more structured when I proposed Bridge for Billions as a capstone project for five of us, including Jessica Kou from Taiwan, who became our second co-founder.

Then,aAlong with classmates Jils, Jon, Jay, and Olisa, we embarked on a mission. We applied Design Thinking and Human Centered Design to map out the entrepreneurial learning journey from ideation to pitching to potential clients, funders, or investors. We crafted the first logo and a basic website, all driven by a clear mission: to connect talented entrepreneurs lacking resources with mentors eager to assist but unsure where to start.

Leveraging simple tools like Google Drive, Skype, and WhatsApp, we tested our methodology with real entrepreneurs—one in Mexico and three in Ghana. The first entrepreneur was Juan Olmedo in Hidalgo, Mexico, who (still after 10 years) sells Agave Syrup and Goat Cheese, and provided invaluable insights. After, Kwabena Danso from Booomers International, who manufactures bamboo bikes in Ghana, and David Asiamah, founder of Agro Mindset, a pioneering agricultural education program for young African farmers, enriched our understanding and approach. These first pilots were crucial in refining our methodology, setting the stage for continuous improvement and iteration 8 years later.

That’s when Jaime Mateo entered the scene, destined to become our CTO. When I mentioned the lack of pay, he countered with his novice coding skills, and just like that, we struck a deal. “I can’t pay you,” I said. “I barely know how to code,” he replied. “Perfect,” I concluded, and we shook hands on it. 

Then, feeling the business side of things was a bit too much for one person, I stumbled upon Julie Murat through an almost fictional startup job portal. Our first chat lasted two hours (I probably did most of the talking), and we clicked instantly. Before long, Julie was with us in Madrid, diving into the chaos and creativity of one of the city’s first coworking spaces, the Impact Hub in Alameda. And what followed over the next nine years is a story for another time.

.

Bridge for Billions has evolved into a trusted ally for corporations, foundations and development agencies worldwide aiming to foster positive change, offering expert design, implementation, and impact assessment for early-stage entrepreneurship programs. Reflecting on your journey, what key insight do you wish to share? 

Our day-to-day lives are deeply influenced by systems that were established over 50 years ago by people who are no longer with us, designed for a world that has since evolved, and aimed at addressing challenges that have shifted or disappeared. These systems are becoming increasingly outdated and ineffective, failing to meet the real, current needs of people.

Despite the potential future crises, we possess a powerful tool: innovation. Let’s place our faith in the innate ability of humans to solve our own challenges. By providing innovative tools, knowledge, and opportunities, we can enable innovators worldwide to tap into their inherent talent and drive meaningful change. Betting on human ingenuity within all communities is not just an option; it’s a necessity for creating a sustainable and inclusive future.

The potential impact of this approach is immense and truly exciting. I’m eager to discuss with anyone in the impact sector how to harness this approach for widespread, positive change.

The post Tackling poverty at its roots: Pablo’s journey to Bridge for Billions appeared first on Bridge for Billions.

Yet, although business incubators are designed to work with startups and early-stage companies, more often than not, entrepreneurs utilize these programs too late in their business development at which point they realize that they now have less flexibility to change their business if needed.

So why don’t more entrepreneurs join an online incubator earlier in their process?  It’s probably due to fear. Fear that their idea is still “too green” to tell anyone about. Well, as they say, the early bird gets the worm – an adage that is especially true for entrepreneurs!

Here are 4 reasons why incubation is a good idea for early-stage entrepreneurs.

1. Progress from “divergence” to “convergence”

Ideation and prototyping will ideally come before incubation. These are “divergent stages” a chance to test your ideas before converging them into an MVP. Whilst incubation still offers a lot of flexibility for testing your service or product, it also provides a key structure to start converging your ideas into a concrete plan – to push to the next step in the development of your business.

Bringing your ideas together at the incubation stage will help you to test the viability of your business. You’ll be developing and testing your MVP (or prototype if you’re not there yet), carrying out plenty of customer discovery to find a product-market fit and if you haven’t already, looking into hiring your first team members.

2. Viewing Incubation Programs as a Pivotal Learning Journey

Engaging in business incubation is no small feat, yet it’s crucial to perceive this journey as an enriching learning experience. The inherent “trial and error” aspect of incubation programs can unveil the viability of your business model, possibly directing you towards alternative strategies to achieve your goals. Whether it leads to pivoting your approach or starting anew, every step is a lesson learned, steering clear of the pitfalls associated with premature business launches.

Embarking on an incubation program with a well-defined vision for your startup is essential. Yet, embracing these programs in the early stages of your venture’s development is critical for fostering business flexibility and shaping the eventual outcome of your product or service. This approach is particularly vital for first-time entrepreneurs or those with limited experience in business development, ensuring adaptability and openness to social innovation.

3. Strategically Defining and Sculpting Your Business Model

A supportive business incubator plays a crucial role in helping you articulate and navigate the critical steps towards developing your enterprise. Entrepreneurs often remain within their comfort zones, hesitating to venture into less familiar territories due to fear of failure. However, a robust incubation program not only aids in delineating a clear business structure and vision but also prepares you to answer the profound questions potential investors might pose.

Moreover, it’s common for early-stage entrepreneurs to feel overwhelmed. Quality incubation programs counter this by equipping you with the necessary tools to address every fundamental aspect of your business. From fostering business sustainability to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, these programs support you in regaining control and steering your venture towards becoming a purpose-driven company.

Through the lens of social entrepreneurship, incubation programs are instrumental in cultivating entrepreneurship ecosystems that champion economic development. They are the cradle for innovation promotion, offering unparalleled opportunities for startup mentoring. By engaging with community partners and leveraging corporate volunteering, entrepreneurs can significantly contribute to the creation of entrepreneurship ecosystems, reinforcing the pillars of sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

4. What about mentoring?

If you are considering incubation, try looking for a program that includes mentoring. Why? Because early intervention by industry professionals is vital to the initial development of an organization. By working with a mentor, you are privy to an external point of view and are thus able to avoid unforeseen challenges. Of course, mentoring also opens up the opportunity for possible networking opportunities, something that will be key in the early (and later) stages of your business.

Join Us.

If you didn’t know, we’re on a mission to democratize access to entrepreneurship education. We support early-stage entrepreneurs in developing the businesses our society needs through innovation and entrepreneurship programs running across over 70 countries.

To learn more about how we do that, click here.

Or, if you’re part of the Bridge community and would like to appear on our blog, you can reach us here.

The post 4 reasons why early stage entrepreneurs need incubation programs? appeared first on Bridge for Billions.

Monitoring the quality and type of impact generated by entrepreneurship programs lies at the core of our work here at Bridge for Billions. Our Impact Team has been gathering and analyzing the most recent data from our programs, and today we’re excited to give you a quick overview of the key insights.

2023 stands out as a remarkable year for Bridge for Billions. We’ve trained 1,467 entrepreneurs and seen 944 ventures successfully graduate. This incredible journey was made possible with the support of 1,895 amazing mentors who devoted a whopping 103,249 hours to training.

This has been possible also through the implementation of new models of partnership with clients and other actors within the ecosystem (Direct programs, Training of Trainers and Ecosystem Builders). Collaboration has proven to be effective in having a broader impact in terms of number of entrepreneurs supported worldwide, if compared to the previous years.

All this happened also thanks to the extremely powerful partnerships we established with 30 organizations in 2023 only, including Coca-Cola, the EU Commission, UNIDO and UNEP, Visa, JP Morgan, Ashoka, the Swiss Development Agency, the Novartis Foundation, and the Inter American Development Bank. Their visions and impact needs were crucial to make everything else possible.

Looking Back

Yet, a yearly review is not enough, especially since our journey spans far beyond just one year.

In this industry, data gains more power when aggregated. We’re happy to report that in 8 years, 4,672 ventures worldwide have gone through one of our incubation program, all summing up 391,340 hours of training delivered. Everything has been enriched by the expertise of 3,808 dedicated mentors.

The world is our playground. A quick look to the geographical areas where we’ve been promoting growth by supporting entrepreneurs:

Focusing on Underserved Communities

Diversity and inclusivity are key elements that drive the implementation of our incubation programs.

It’s always rewarding to report that no significant differences were registered in acceptance or completion rates based on gender, education level, or previous access to support.

• 51% of the entrepreneurs we supported are female
• 48% have a low income (earning less than $10,000 annually)
• 58% have had no prior support.
• 38% of the supported founders come from countries with a low or medium Human Development Index
• 37% have no studies beyond high school.

Why is this important?

As you might know, entrepreneurs who face setbacks in the entrepreneurship ecosystem are often females, low-income individuals, and those with no prior access to support.

And another good news: aggregated data shows how underserved entrepreneurs taking part to an incubation program increase their revenues, funds, and employees proportionately more than their counterparts.

We compared founders’ revenue, funds, and jobs created before and after the programs and found that underserved entrepreneurs:

• Increased the jobs they created by 55% more than their counterparts
• Increased their yearly revenues by 24% more than their counterparts
• Increased the funds they raised by 88% more than their counterparts

Before and After

Bridge for Billions is not just about starting businesses. It’s about ensuring their success and growth.

In the past 8 years, 3,007 alumni have created 8,996 paid jobs, raised USD 62 million in funds and generated USD 34 million in yearly revenue.

Entrepreneurs who graduated have demonstrated interesting post-program results, including doubling their revenue and the jobs they create. Also, they were quintupling the funds they raise up to 2 years after the program.

• 70% of our alumni remained working on their ventures up to 2 years after the program ends.
• 62% of alumni create jobs, boosting employment.
• 43% raise funds, securing vital financial support.
• 79% generate revenue, ensuring business sustainability.

Mentorship and Community

Furthermore, mentors are key in fostering valuable connections, whether with potential investors, clients, or partners.

Once the program ends, 90% decide to continue their mentorships showcasing the effectiveness of the mentor-matching conducted by our program managers.

Finally, the power of the community at Bridge for Billions is evident, as 22% of alumni report they are able to establish connections with potential clients and partners and 10% claim they were connected to potential investors – all through connections made in the program.

If your organization is interested in learning more about social innovation programs centered around entrepreneurship support, feel free to book our CEO for a quick chat.. In an industry where connections and knowledge-sharing are invaluable assets, let’s explore the endless possibilities together.

The post 2023 Wrapped: Latest Impact Data appeared first on Bridge for Billions.

Explore the three tailored models that cater to the specific needs and goals of our clients: the Direct Program, the Training of Trainers (ToT), and the Ecosystem Builders.

The Direct Program Model

Our Direct Program stands as a robust, all-encompassing incubation solution that works for a diverse clientele, from corporations to foundations and public entities. Serving as the cornerstone of our offerings, this model reflects the starting point for those seeking to make a positive impact through entrepreneurship.

With this collaboration model, Clients benefit from a well-managed program that not only nurtures startups but also aligns with their strategic goals. It provides them with comprehensive oversight and control, reflecting well on their commitment to fostering innovation.

How does it work?

• We first work hand in hand with our Client to co-design a comprehensive entrepreneurship support program. The partnership usually lasts between 7 and 12 months. 

• Bridge for Billions, as enabler and implementer, takes care of everything, from scouting and to training entrepreneurs in collaboration with mentors and experts. With a commitment to support entrepreneurs via 1-1 mentorship and step by step business training, this model aims to provide a holistic experience. 

• The program usually supports 30-60 businesses over the course of 4-6 months. Participants will be able to come up with a validated business plan. They benefit from 4-6 months of asynchronous training using our proprietary online platform, including 8 modules, 20 hours of one-on-one mentoring, and 8-10 synchronous training sessions. Also, they’ll get insights from a community of peers, a final Demo Day and expert sessions. 

• The impact of this program is measured and evaluated up to 2 years in terms of revenue generated, number of jobs created and survival rate, ensuring a lasting effect.

The Training of Trainers (ToT) Model

For partners aiming for a locally customized impact and the strengthening of local actors, our ToT collaboration model is the ideal choice.

Co-designed with Clients or donors, this model involves scouting local Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs). Bridge for Billions focus on training them on how to implement an effective entrepreneurship support program alongside us. 

How does it work? 

• A ToT is like doing many direct programs concurrently. Hence, it allows us to support a larger number of businesses (60-350) by partnering with ESOs. Each ESO involved (usually between 3 and 5) is able to support around 20 to 50 businesses.  

• The ToT model lays its basis on partnerships with clients and donors that span over 11 months approximately, covering program design, implementation and monitoring/evaluation. Entrepreneurs are involved in the program for 4-6 months, benefiting from the online platform and the training (see direct program).

The impact

The impact here is extended beyond entrepreneurs and mentors. In fact, this model helps strengthen local ESOs in better incubation management practices. They receive training in scalable incubation management, along with a proven methodology and access to our proprietary online platform (technology). 

On the other hand, ESOs own the local knowledge, network and assets to deliver entrepreneurship programs that are perfectly customized to the context and needs of the specific entrepreneurs we decide to support. Through this win-win collaboration, we ensure more permeability and efficacy in terms of innovation.

The Ecosystem Builders Model

Our groundbreaking Ecosystem Builders model seamlessly integrates the ToT approach with strategic partnerships with local stakeholders. The aim is to form a robust network to connect and fortify local entrepreneurship ecosystems.

How does it work?

Tailored for partners and donors with a broader vision, this model supports a significant number of businesses (350-2,500+) over a 3-year duration. Involving 5-25+ ESOs, the model goes beyond individual projects, aiming to strengthen the financial sustainability of local ESOs and facilitate connections between entrepreneur and ESOs with governments, financial institutions, associations, and organizations.

The program includes:

• First, an in-depth Ecosystem Assessment, analyzing the challenges and opportunities within the entrepreneurial landscape in the targeted countries.

• Then, a capacity-building phase through the Conecta Academy. It’s a dynamic component designed to equip ESOs with the skills and tools needed for effective support. This includes a community-building event, followed by a 3-4 month capacity-building program focusing on incubation techniques, ecosystem leadership, collaboration, public policy influence, and financial sustainability.

• Lastly, a rigorous impact monitoring, ensuring a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.

The impact

Integral to the Ecosystem Builders model is rigorous impact monitoring and annual evaluations. It ensures not only the effectiveness of individual programs but also the continual improvement and adaptability of the overall model. 

This model is our testament to creating thriving and interconnected entrepreneurial landscapes that endure beyond the program’s timeline.

Whether you are interested in the comprehensive support of the Direct Program or the sustainable impact of Ecosystem Building, our goal is to assist you in fostering innovation and empowering local ecosystems on a global scale. If you want to learn more about these approaches, have a chat with our CEO, Pablo Santaeufemia, HERE.

The post Three Possible Collaboration Models to Foster Impact appeared first on Bridge for Billions.

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Gone are the days of traditional, isolated charitable grants; instead, a new wave of philanthropy is emerging globally—one that prioritizes cohesive, professionalized strategies and targeted investments for sustainable, lasting impact.

We at Bridge for Billions like to call it the “New CSR Era“. In this transformative times, we realize the importance of redefining philanthropic initiatives by taking Corporate Social Responsibility to the next level.

Shifting the paradigm

For companies seeking to amplify their CSR impact, visibility is key. In an era where employees increasingly choose workplaces based on purpose and values, establishing philanthropic foundations can serve as powerful engines for heightened engagement and commitment to societal issues.

To truly make a meaningful impact, it is essential to anchor philanthropic goals within a company’s core strategy and identity. By aligning philanthropy with strategic objectives, companies can forge a genuine connection with stakeholders and employees, building a legacy of purpose-driven impact.

Imagine your foundation as a seed investor or startup incubator, identifying and nurturing innovative solutions that address society-wide problems. This proactive approach ensures that your philanthropic efforts are not just about giving but also about catalyzing positive change and fostering sustainable solutions.

An example from Payoneer

Let’s take Payoneer, an American financial services company that provides online money transfer, digital payment services and provides customers with working capital. Payoneer serves as an exemplary collaboration within our corporate partnerships, embodying our shared commitment to positively influence the payment industry.

By joining forces, Payoneer is now launching a program to support freelancers, freelancing agencies and small and medium outsourcing companies in the Philippines strengthen their business strategies. While Payoneer is located in the US, they identified Philippines as their impact country, supported by their local branch. Bridge for Billions designed and implemented the whole incubation program, by providing a team of program managers, the incubation platform and methodology and a constant impact monitoring to make sure the program addresses the impact goals.

Together, we are dedicated to democratizing access to financial services and payments, making strides towards a more inclusive and accessible financial landscape.

What do we do at Bridge for Billions and how can we help you achieve your CSR goals?

Bridge for Billions is a benefit corporation established in 2015 deeply committed to fostering positive social impact. We do so by empowering early-stage ventures with limited access to opportunities in the entrepreneurship space.

Our mission goes beyond traditional initiatives of CSR, as we support aspiring entrepreneurs through our programs in collaboration with socially conscious corporate entities. When we help launch, expand or pivot early-stage businesses, we’re disclosing a full world of innovation and change, no matter the sector or industry.

Our programs aim to change the space of the entrepreneurship landscape by allowing greater visibility and access for underserved and underrepresented entrepreneurs.

In the U.S., we strongly support entrepreneurs and innovative companies. Once a program is launched, we scout entrepreneurs with valid business ideas, ready to take them to the next level. The program works through an educational platform offering more than just mere facilitation – it includes mentorship support, and a wealth of knowledge and resources, empowering entrepreneurs to navigate the intricacies of the business landscape.

At the same time, it gives corporate clients a special way to connect with and support these entrepreneurs, creating a relationship that goes beyond typical business partnerships.

If you’re curious to learn more about how we could catalyze change together and meet your company’s philanthropic goals, make sure you schedule a 15 min chat with Pablo Santaeufemia, our CEO, here.

The post It’s time to take Corporate Social Responsibility to the next level appeared first on Bridge for Billions.

Why? Because we exist to enable more early-stage entrepreneurs of all kinds to thrive, generating jobs and solutions for everyone. That’s how we make sure our economies sustainably meet the needs of all. In the past years, we’ve created tangible impact all around the world, by equipping individuals with the tools and skills they needed to implement real change.

Our mission and results closely aligns with many of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Here’s just five of them:

Quality Education

The Bridge for Billions approach allows a rapid deployment of assets through online technology. At this point we are proud to say that we have developed more than 264 programs, enabling more than 4,000 entrepreneurs in 132 countries.

We are dedicated to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Rooted in the MIT Disciplined Entrepreneurship methodology, our programs are designed to equip entrepreneurs with the essential resources for success through 8 modules delivered within our online platform. 

Our program modules go beyond theory. They offer practical, hands-on guidance through mentorship, specialized training, and seamless access to a global network of industry experts. This approach is specifically crafted to empower entrepreneurs to thrive in the competitive business world. Upon completing our programs, entrepreneurs emerge equipped to define the value of their offerings. They identify competitors and key partners, structure their marketing and pricing strategies. Also, they demonstrate the impact of their businesses, set goals, and monitor their progress. In addition, they join a vast network of like-minded business owners, fostering collaboration and support.

Decent Work and Economic Growth

We are proud that our 3,000 alumni have created 8,480 paid jobs in 138 countries and generated $28 Million USD in yearly revenue for their economies.

We guide early-stage entrepreneurs in the formalization and growth of their micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Social enterprises actively foster decent work and economic growth through initiatives such as: workforce development, training, and job creation in marginalized communities. Entrepreneurship programs at Bridge for Billions are designed to encourage the creation of decent jobs, entrepreneurship, and the cultivation of creativity and innovation. 

No Poverty and Reduced Inequalities

Bridge for Billions data reveals that entrepreneurs who face setbacks in the entrepreneurship ecosystem have flourished after our programs. They doubled their jobs and their revenue and the funds they raised multiplied by 6.5.

Our commitment is to reduce poverty in all its forms by ensuring that all individuals, particularly the most vulnerable ones, have equal rights to economic resources. By providing entrepreneurship support, we empower aspiring entrepreneurs to develop and launch their ventures. Therefore, they’ll be creating new opportunities for economic growth and financial stability. 

Of the 4,569 founders Bridge has supported:

• 52% of the supported founders are female.
• 58% never had access to entrepreneurship support.
• 38% of the supported founders come from countries with a low or medium HDI.
• 47% of the founders have a yearly income below $10K USD. 

We are dedicated to reducing inequalities within and among countries because we know talent is everywhere, but opportunities are not. By empowering and promoting social, economic, and political inclusion for all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic status, we align our mission with this global objective. 

We aim to level the playing field and offer equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs to succeed. 

Partnerships for the Goals 

UNIDO, UNEP, The European Commission, Coca-Cola, Chanel, VISA, and Heineken are some of the international actors that have collaborated with us. Moreover, we’re recognized by organizations such as Ashoka, UN Global Compact (la Red Española), Acumen, ChangemakerXchange, and Forbes 30 under 30. 

Global challenges require global collaboration. Our mission of democratizing access to entrepreneurship support worldwide can only be achieved through collaboration among governments, civil society, businesses, and international organizations. We don’t consider ourselves as an implementing partner but as an enabling one. 

We partner with other actors because we are enablers of change, we’re able to cooperate at the same level and aim at the same objectives – the Sustainable Development Goals.

Our history has been marked by important partnerships that have been part of what we are today. More than 100 organizations have trusted us. 

Our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals is not just professional. It’s a part of our core identity. Talk to us to forge new synergies that can shape real and meaningful change.

“Together we can learn from each other, share what we know, and bring our expertise. And then suddenly start working towards the same mission. As a group, as an ecosystem, as a community” –  
Pablo Santaeufemia, CEO and Founder of Bridge for Billions. 

The post How Entrepreneurship Supports the Sustainable Development Goals appeared first on Bridge for Billions.

“The platform is robust, and allows entrepreneurs the chance to really dive deep into their businesses, to help expand their businesses and give them access to tools to make their businesses more efficient,” Matthew highlights, emphasizing the comprehensive support offered by the Forest Enterprise Incubation Program.

The Forest Enterprise Incubation Program entered Matthew’s radar through a recommendation from a trusted friend at Green Invest Asia. Eager to explore opportunities for growth and development, he wasted no time and decided to take the plunge, opening doors to a world of possibilities.

So, why did Matthew choose to participate in the program? As an established business with years of experience, he saw immense value in working with a mentor to fine-tune a mature business strategy. This opportunity to collaborate with industry experts and gain invaluable guidance was a catalyst for unlocking new avenues of growth and innovation.

When asked about the most enjoyable aspect of the program, Matthew expressed his enthusiasm for mentorship. The one-on-one guidance provided him with a unique perspective and the opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional, Michelle Ngoc Nguyen. With a shared commitment to sustainability, Matthew found a mentor who resonated with his business ethos, creating a dynamic partnership that propelled L.Co to new heights.

Reflecting on his experience thus far, Matthew identifies the robustness of the program’s platform as a standout feature. The comprehensive nature of the program enables entrepreneurs to delve deep into their businesses, uncover expansion opportunities, and access tools that enhance operational efficiency. The Forest Enterprise Incubation Program empowers participants to build resilient and impactful ventures.

When asked about what he would say to other forestry businesses or projects considering joining the next cohort, Matthew emphatically states, “Absolutely, I would recommend it! The Forest Enterprise Incubation Program provides an invaluable opportunity to gain insights, guidance, and support tailored specifically to the forestry industry. It’s a transformative experience that can propel your business towards greater success and impact.”

The post Get to Know Matthew Lucero: Forest Enterprise Incubation Program Participant appeared first on Bridge for Billions.