B4T is about bringing transformation through businesses that are run by local entrepreneurs. Businesses are equipped with sound business practices and backed by global investor-mentors. B4T holds the view that business is a legitimate tool to impact a community for good. B4T aims to see transformation in individuals, households and communities to positively impact the well being, economic, social and environmental health of the targeted groups.
Myanmar was an opportunity to see this in action. A group of investor mentors visited a range of 13 different businesses from the 50 who in the last three years have received investment and support through B4T. The group met with local entrepreneurs, pastors, community leaders, village elders and families. Of these 50 businesses, some are only months old. 174 people are directly employed through them with additional casual, seasonal workers at other times employed for rice harvesting and the like.
The investor mentors group have been working with them for over two years. They noted the changes in the way the entrepreneurs were more connected to the community, the village atmosphere and environment. People were happier, showed more interest in keeping the village cleaner and seemed open to change. Having lived with a repressive government for many years, the lack of suspicion and developing trust and respect was encouraging to see. Their improved rice quality had been noted and endorsed by government for certified seed. Output has increased with trials of new seeds and the input of solar pumps to increase productivity. Grain yield has doubled. These farmers were now talking to government agricultural advisers regarding additional trials of corn, chili and cucumber crops.
The community discussed with Laval, the B4T Developer in Myanmar, how to use this opportunity to impact their community and will hold a harvest festival every January where representatives of B4T will also be invited to attend. The economic, social, emotional and environmental transformation through this one business is very clear.
Business That Impacts Community
B4T is about bringing transformation through businesses that are run by local entrepreneurs. Businesses are equipped with sound business practices and backed by global investor-mentors. B4T holds the view that business is a legitimate tool to impact a community for good. B4T aims to see transformation in individuals, households and communities to positively impact the well being, economic, social and environmental health of the targeted groups.
Myanmar was an opportunity to see this in action. A group of investor mentors visited a range of 13 different businesses from the 50 who in the last three years have received investment and support through B4T. The group met with local entrepreneurs, pastors, community leaders, village elders and families. Of these 50 businesses, some are only months old. 174 people are directly employed through them with additional casual, seasonal workers at other times employed for rice harvesting and the like.
The investor mentors group have been working with them for over two years. They noted the changes in the way the entrepreneurs were more connected to the community, the village atmosphere and environment. People were happier, showed more interest in keeping the village cleaner and seemed open to change. Having lived with a repressive government for many years, the lack of suspicion and developing trust and respect was encouraging to see. Their improved rice quality had been noted and endorsed by government for certified seed. Output has increased with trials of new seeds and the input of solar pumps to increase productivity. Grain yield has doubled. These farmers were now talking to government agricultural advisers regarding additional trials of corn, chili and cucumber crops.
The community discussed with Laval, the B4T Developer in Myanmar, how to use this opportunity to impact their community and will hold a harvest festival every January where representatives of B4T will also be invited to attend. The economic, social, emotional and environmental transformation through this one business is very clear.