Mapped and analyzed potential distribution channels in the US.
The UN Alliance wanted a team of students to
work on a project within the context of its microfinance program. The project constituted
the first phase of a larger initiative, which is being undertaken by the UN
Alliance in cooperation with other NGOs and UN agencies, aimed at the
achievement of operational self- sufficiency by the Malagasy Microfinance
Institutions (MFIs).
Deliverables
Analysis of status quo, and definition of an
Implementation Plan. Status quo analysis and preparation of Implementation Plan
should entail: Building database of total number of MFIs, Classifying type of
technical help available to MFIs, Grouping total number of MFIs according to
degree of technical help received to run operations.
Updated the current business plan taking into account changes in market strategies and financials, and re-calculated the SROI (Social Return on Investment). Guidelines are offered by Social Venture Competition (please see www.socialvc.net).
Deliverables
Business
plan and its submission and defense to the GSVC (Global Social Venture
Competition).
The processing of the oils of the peanut and the sesame seed could be processed to be sold with greater success than the products currently being produced in the factory. Elaboration of professional business plan to acquire grants and funds to finance the project.
Deliverables
Operational
plan (finances, strategies, etc.), Forecast of production potential, Completion
of a market study to determine best market strategies, distribution channels
and niches of population.
Based on the opportunities and challenges identified in industry analyses, TechnoServe develops projects with financing from the Multisectoral Investment Bank (BMI). However, it is difficult to find local consultants in El Salvador with the skills, training and experience needed to carry out a good industry analysis. Therefore, our office would like to set a standard for local consultants for future industry analyses in El Salvador. Deliverables: Industry analysis report, PowerPoint presentation to HQ office outlining the key findings and recommendations, General template for future industry analyses, Training session for local consultants on industry analyses (optional)
There is a great need among artisans to find overseas markets and determine their potential to participate in these markets. As New York City is a thriving centre for artists and a hub for the import of handmade crafts, it has been identified as a possible destination for Huun products. To date, several stores in NYC have been contacted for the possible wholesale of retail sale of Huun products but it has proved difficult to attract serious attention. A market study is greatly needed in order to understand existing supply and demand in addition to determining prices and investigating methods of penetrating this important market.
Deliverables
They were looking for advice on accessing international distribution networks for bamboo products. The main objective of the project was to promote VIBA’s product in the international markets.
The main goal of this project was for the student to do an in-depth analysis of the existing business plan for the Bioplaneta Center in Mexico City in order to determine potential for the undertaking of a similar project in the United States.
Deliverables
Elaboration
of professional business plan for acquisition of grants and funds to finance
the project. Operational plan (finances, strategies, etc.), Completion of a
market study to determine best location, potential client demographics and
design and image strategies.
SOLFI is a non profit microfinance institution, which was established in January 2002 to attend micro entrepreneurs, mainly women, who live in rural communities of the State of Hidalgo, México. Most of these entrepreneurs are classified as poor according to the Statistics National Institute of Mexico.
SOLFI decided to transform its institution into a for-profit one. With this, they aimed
to invite different kind of investors looking for a financial
return, and at the same time SOLFI was able to grow as fast as the demand.
Deliverables
A
complete business plan that can be presented to potential investors, to know
how to calculate financial projections on our own in case we need to make any
modifications.
Over the course of the last one-year, VIP has been engaged in pilot projects with multiple farmers to test the effectiveness of the product. The results from these projects are extremely positive. Now VIP is planning to launch the product in select cities in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. VIP will face competition from existing chemical solution producers who would try to leverage their deep pockets to keep away the competition. Being a small company with limited resources, VIP has to plan its entry and growth taking these factors into account. The main objective is to help VIP develop a business plan that helps them identify critical issues like marketing strategy to circumvent the strengths of big chemical players, expansion strategy taking into account VIP’s strengths and weaknesses, flexible pricing mechanism to deal with the demands of its customers and the markets VIP should focus on in the short term.