Do you run a small-to-medium size enterprise operating in India, Indonesia, China, Brazil or Mexico? Does your company have an innovative business model that delivers strong environmental and social benefits? Are you seeking debt or equity capital in order to grow your business?

If so, apply for the New Ventures program in these countries. The New Ventures program of the World Resources Institute supports the growth of businesses that deliver social and environmental benefits by providing business advisory services and access to capital. Enterprises that have been supported by New Ventures have raised $120M in capital. Moreover, 98% of New Ventures enterprises are still in operation.

The application deadlines for each country are:

• India: May 15th
• Indonesia: May 16th
• Mexico: June 30th
• China: TBD
• Brazil: TBD
  

For more information and access to the application form, please visit the specific country websites. For an English language version of the Indonesia application form, please contact slall@wri.org.

If you have a favorite BOP story that you always tell everyone about, you now have a chance to win $2000 just by submitting an entry to the Cornell University BOP Learning Lab's 2007 BOP e-Journal Competition. The details of the competition are as follows:

The Competition: The 2007 BoP e-Journal Competition has been created to help highlight cutting-edge experiences of business innovation in underserved communities. Winning submissions will clearly articulate a business challenge that an organization working in low-income communities is striving to overcome. Experiences may be successful or unsuccessful. Organizations highlighted may be non-profit or for-profit enterprises. Initiatives highlighted should illustrate a unique approach to poverty alleviation through an innovative business model, product, service, or technology. Length of submission is not to exceed 1000 words and must be in English.

Eligibility: Open to all. No geographic restrictions. This competition may be of particular interest to students of business, development, journalism and the social sciences working in unique situations for the summer.

Awards: Winners will be announced on or about November 2, 2007. The award will be presented to the author(s).

1st Place receives:

1) $2000 USD
2) Invitation for one author to present story at the 2007-2008 Cornell BoP Learning Lab, including round trip airfare (economy class) and accommodations
3) Submission published in the BoP Learning Lab e-journal

Deadline: Midnight, Friday September 7, 2007

Find competition details at: http://www.bopnetwork.org/node/83