I was reminded again this morning by PSD Blog of the Global Social Benefit Incubator, "an intensive two-week residential program that enables successful technology innovators to scale their endeavors and achieve sustainability." The two-week in-residence program (July 29 - August 12, 2006) carries a value of US $20,000, claims a lofty goal: to enhance social entrepreneurs’ ability to scale their ventures. Past participants have gone on to win international recognition and receive venture funding. The application process (due January 15, 2006) is understandably difficult, but worthwhile. Good luck!

Over the past few weeks, we have been working with the NextBillion.net team to upgrade some of this website’s features to make it easier for you to access the content you need. The most recent addition, and probably the most obvious, is the improved RSS integration with NextBillion.net.

RSS lets you subscribe to have all new content posted to a particular website sent to a newsreader where you can read it. What this means is that you can subscribe to all your favorite news sites and blogs and check them all just by going to one place, your newsreader.

WRI's latest What Works case study, Thamel.com: Diaspora-enabled Development, is now available through the NextBillion.net Case Studies page. The report documents a Nepal-based marketing and development company that has tapped the resources of the diaspora to create new opportunities for Nepalese workers, generate cultural value, and help move local businesses in a new direction.

I recently spoke with Bal Joshi, founder of Thamel.com, and Bob Granger, his partner in Thamel International. They shared their thoughts about the company, where it's heading, and the value it adds to Nepal and other countries looking to tap the resources of the diaspora to enable local economic growth.

1. In your opinion, what is the most innovative aspect of the Thamel.com model?

Bal: My father used to tell me in business, “tel k hernu, tel ko dhara hernu!” Direct translation: “identify the source of the oil, not just the end product!” In plain English, “follow the money.”