Overview
Mission
The MicroConsignment model’s primary mission is to convert what have traditionally been rural relief/development projects into profitable, locally-run entrepreneurial ventures.
Goals
1. To increase the standard of living of villagers by providing them with the opportunity to purchase here-to-for unavailable products/services that will both create a positive financial impact and solve basic family/business needs
2. To create new and economically compelling entrepreneurial opportunities for low income men and women; training them in core business skills in order to assure the continuous achievement of “Objective 1”
3. To create a self-perpetuating and self- sustainable network of entrepreneurs in “Objective 2” that will provide continuous opportunities for both product/service and geographical diversification
Executive Summary
MicroConsignment, a model developed by Greg Van Kirk and George Glickley through their non-profit Community Enterprise Solutions (www.cesolutions.org), is a proven, social entrepreneurship execution strategy which is being implemented in the most inaccessible communities of rural Guatemala and a growing number of developing countries in the world. This solution does not only address the WHAT (i.e. an innovative new product offering) but as well the WHO, WHERE, WHEN, WHY and most importantly the HOW. This solution is currently, for the first time, sustainably addressing the following priority issues (amongst others) in underserved communities:
• Respiratory illnesses
• Gastrointestinal illnesses
• Malnutrition
• Visual Health
Organizations are continually devising innovative products which primarily focus on the WHAT. This is only one part of the solution and thus is oftentimes not a solution at all. For example, as we often see a new type of appropriate technology stove may be invented, a new water purification system may be developed or a multi-purpose pair of glasses might be created. But the simple development of a product more often than not never achieves success in the field because the SERVICE aspects are not being addressed and the following questions are never answered:
• Do people really have a felt need for the product or service?
• Can it be priced so as to be within reach of low income community members?
• How will it be promoted?
• How will the product or service reach those who need it the most?
• Who will promote/sell the product or service?
If any of these practical questions are left unanswered or the answer is “No” or “We don’t know” then the product innovation will remain simply a novelty item. MicroConsignment is a proven innovation and implementation mechanism which answers these questions ever day. The primary beneficiaries of MicroConsignment are low income families living in communities in the most rural and inaccessible regions. In fact, this social entrepreneurship model works best when serving the most vulnerable populations. MicroConsignment most importantly establishes access (in all aspects) to health care products and services previously unattainable in these communities by creating profitable business ventures for motivated and hard working rural entrepreneurs.
MicroConsignment is a holistic solution whereby low-income men and women with entrepreneurial qualities can start their own business through “sweat equity” and realize profits from inception. Under the MicroConsignment model, expatriate and local CE Solutions staff and entrepreneurs devise solutions and train and support low-income men and women who are interested in starting their own business which serve rural communities within a designated territory. At times the product is innovative and at other times it may be the pricing mechanism, logistical system, recruiting or training methodologies or promotional techniques. What drives the model is that is an interdisciplinary, intuitive and non-linear approach whereby all stakeholders add value.
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