Bpeace Launches One-Day Campaign to Raise Seed Capital for Afghan and Rwandan Entrepreneurs in 'Race to Innovation'

Ends Midnight Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Global Giving to match 50% of donations

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Jun 16, 2010, 12:42 ET

NEW YORK, June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Bpeace (Business Council for Peace), the nonprofit that works with entrepreneurs in conflict-affected countries launched a one-day matching campaign to raise seed capital for six Afghan and Rwandan entrepreneurs in the Bpeace Race to Innovation. http://www.bpeace.org/vote

Funds raised on Wednesday, June 16th will be matched at 1:2 by Global Giving, the online marketplace that connects people to the causes and countries they care about.

Bpeace is asking for a $15 vote/donation. You can vote here: http://www.bpeace.org/vote

The Race to Innovation encourages entrepreneurs with bold ideas by providing them with training, coaching and mentoring from Bpeace business volunteers. The six finalists were chosen from more than 250 applicants.

"These entrepreneurs represent the future of small businesses in Afghanistan and Rwanda," said Toni Maloney CEO and Co-founder of Bpeace. "We have been working with these entrepreneurs for six months, have met them personally, and know that they have the potential to turn their business ideas into real job growth. We are mobilizing around them in the belief: More Jobs Mean Less Violence."

From 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.

From 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.

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