2008 Drishtipat Challenge: Call for Business Proposals

[rafiq]

Dear BC members: the Drishtipat Challenge is an annual program that encourages social entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. Please read the press release below and find more info at www.drishtipat.org/dpchallenge. Help spread the word and consider submitting your own proposal if you are engaged in a business that fits this model.

Feel free to ask questions or email to dpchallenge@drishtipat.org

Regards!

Rafiq

DRISHTIPAT LAUNCHES BUSINESS CHALLENGE

PRESS RELEASE

DHAKA, BANGLADESH, February 18, 2008 – Drishtipat, a volunteer nonprofit organization working on promoting human rights and social development in Bangladesh, today announced the launch of the Drishtipat Challenge 2008. Drishtipat believes that a robust economy is an essential factor in promoting human rights and social development. Accordingly, through this business development Challenge, now entering its second year, Drishtipat seeks to create employment opportunities by funding promising small businesses.

The Drishtipat Challenge invites the general public to submit innovative proposals on business projects for the opportunity to receive a loan of up to US$5,000 per project. While it is preferable that the project serve a social development objective, the primary objective is to create economically viable businesses that can quickly stand on their own and grow. Successful proposals will demonstrate economic viability, the ability to repay the loan within 2 years, growth potential as well as social benefits. The entrepreneur’s experience or track record and ability to bring co-investment funds to the table will be important considerations.

Social entrepreneurship programs in Bangladesh have the tremendous potential to provide the social services needed for balanced socio-economic growth through business and commerce. One common constraint to their growth has been a lack of access to commercial sources of finance. The goal of the Drishtipat Challenge is to help these valuable partners in the development process overcome this constraint and participate further.

For more information about the Drishtipat Challenge and on how to participate, please visit www.drishtipat.org/dpchallenge, email dpchallenge@drishtipat.org , or contact your local Drishtipat chapter.

About Drishtipat
Drishtipat is a nonprofit, nonpolitical Bangladeshi organization committed to safeguarding the basic democratic rights of the individual, promoting social development, and is opposed to any and all kinds of human rights abuses in Bangladesh. Based in the United States, the organization is composed of students, young professionals, and academics with a global reach and local presence through its chapters in New York City, Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, Blacksburg (Virginia), the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Bangladesh. For more information, please visit www.drishtipat.org.