Challenges in Working with Low income Entrepreneurs: A Grassroots Perspective

While entrepreneurship can represent an important vehicle for poverty alleviation, many ventures started by those in disadvantaged circumstances fail to generate a level of profits that can move a family out of poverty. As such, the challenge is not simply to help those in poverty to start ventures, but to help those ventures become viable and sustainable. Those in poverty face unique obstacles that range from literacy gaps and lack of resources to limited infrastructure and difficulties competing in the base of the pyramid markets. This webinar focuses on the challenges confronted and approaches that are effective when working with low-income and disadvantaged entrepreneurs in building sustainable enterprises. It features insights and perspectives from professionals who have hands-on experience in fostering entrepreneurship among those in poverty and disadvantaged circumstances.

The session is moderated by Dr. Michael H. Morris, Professor of the Practice, Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame (USA)

Panelists:

• Shingi Nyamwanza, Program Director Technoserve (South Africa)
• Shaista Ayesha, Chief Executive Officer, SEED Ventures (Pakistan)
• Germán Osorio Novela, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (Mexico)
• Gabriel Cué Guerrero, Assistant Professor of Environmental Ethics, Tecnológico de Monterrey’s School of Education