This Christmas, it’s more important than ever to support social businesses. At a time when it may feel easier to shop online at the major online retailer ‘who shall not be named’, why not take a bit of time to find a social business which benefits a local community?
Today, we are highlighting three social businesses we have been working with over the last year who are selling presents online!
Akojo Market is the leading UK platform selling handmade accessories, jewellery, homeware and fashion from independent African designers. They carefully select talented designers and brands who promote local culture and artisan craftsmanship, and are committed to a sustainable and transparent way of working. We worked with Akoji Market this year as part of the F-LANE accelerator from Vodafone.
Alive and Kicking are the world’s only not-for-profit ball manufacturer. Their centres across sub-Saharan Africa create hundreds of ethical jobs for adults facing disadvantage. Profits from balls sales and additional fundraising give young people access to sport and health education Alive and Kicking are selling their wide range of balls on their online shop. https://aliveandkicking.org/shop/
RangSutra are one of our portfolio companies, they act as a bridge between rural artisans and global consumers to create sustainable livelihoods and revive India’s rich craft heritage. They work with artisan cooperatives from rural villages to source textiles that are then turned into finished garments. And they ship internationally!
Since 2016, our team in Colombia has been running an accelerator programme in collaboration with The Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The goal of the programme is to build the ecosystem around social business in Colombia and help those with a high potential to become ‘investment ready’.
Why do we need a social sector? Shouldn’t businesses create economic opportunities and governments ensure a just distribution of these opportunities and set incentives and boundaries such that the environment is protected?
Last week, we celebrated our 10 year anniversary! For the first time in two years and two months of restricted travel, YSB Co-Founder & Chairman Prof. Yunus was able to leave his home country of Bangladesh in order to join us in person.