$15 is a Vote for Hope; Bpeace Raises Seed Capital for Afghan and Rwandan Entrepreneurs

Online "Race to Innovation" to Spark Job Creation, Entrepreneurship in Afghanistan and Rwanda

Videos of Afghan and Rwandan Finalists at www.bpeace.org/vote

News provided by

Mar 30, 2010, 11:43 ET

NEW YORK, March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Six Afghan and Rwandan female and male entrepreneurs are closer to their dream of creating sustainable businesses that provide jobs in their communities in Kabul and Kigali. From amongst a pool of 250 applicants, Bpeace (Business Council for Peace) has posted their stories at bpeace.org/vote. With $15 online vote/donations, the non-profit Bpeace hopes to raise $10,000 in seed or expansion capital for each finalist.

Each of the six finalists demonstrates a winning combination of meeting a basic need -- such as food, housing, and sanitation -- with bold and innovative delivery not often seen in countries isolated by conflict and extreme poverty. "Our pro-bono business professionals have been advising these finalists since December 2009, so we know these entrepreneurs are the real deal," says Toni Maloney, CEO and Co-founder of Bpeace. "These Afghan businesswomen and men have the drive, talent, and the big ideas to deliver on their potential, and create much needed jobs in their communities."

Pitch videos from each entrepreneur are posted at bpeace.org/vote, where brief commentary also describes why their businesses are important to their communities, how they will use the capital raised, and why Bpeace pro-bono business professionals believe these entrepreneurs will succeed.

In Rwanda:

Emmanuel will bring affordable, accessible veterinary services to Rwandans whose livelihoods rely on the health of their dairy cows.
Herve will serve the rising number of Rwandan businesswomen through home-delivered fresh produce, saving them time and keeping family meals healthy.
Sarah will use greenhouses to grow enough pesticide-free tomatoes to meet the growing demand, replacing imports with a local product.

In Afghanistan:

Qaseem will put roofs and walls around Afghan schools, clinics, and homes with affordable, disaster-proof shelters.
Sherzai will improve the livelihoods of Afghans with clean living and working, demonstrating the link between sanitation and health.
Sora will manufacture Afghanistan's first non-imported potato chip, serving a demanding population and providing Afghan potato farmers with a new market.

All of the Finalists will receive 100% of the funds raised on their behalf. Throughout 2010, Bpeace will also continue providing technical expertise to help them wisely invest the funds in the expansion of their businesses.

About Bpeace

Bpeace believes the path to peace is lined with jobs. We work with entrepreneurs in conflict-affected countries to scale their businesses, create significant employment for all, and expand the economic power of women. More jobs mean less violence.®

Bpeace is a non-profit coalition of business professionals. We offer pro-bono access to our expertise, technical assistance, networks and proven methodologies to help Fast Runners expand their businesses, increase profitability, create new employment, retain and attract customers, and access markets and capital.

Bpeace tailors a one-three year investment in each entrepreneur—a mix of consulting, training, mentoring, out-of-country apprenticeships and business site visits, employee technical training, equipment, technology, branding and marketing, and networking opportunities.

Related Links

SOURCE Bpeace