Catalyst in...
Catalyst endeavours to to meet with and learn about the best examples of social enterprise, ethical business, and community cooperation around the world. Our 'Catalyst in...' series sends us out into the world to explore new regions, new approaches, and new cultures. We then are able to bring what we learn back with us to help us to be better at what we do, and to contribute some of our own skills to those places we visit.
We also welcome other 'catalysts' in the world to share their own experiences as part of our 'Catalyst in...' series. Drop us a line at info@catfund.com if you're planning to explore social business in communities near or far.
Drew Tulchin gives his account of his time in Mozambique, helping to set up a trade association for microfinance organisations.
Jim Fruchterman, Chairman and CEO of Benetech, wrote up the time he spent in Micronesia furthering his understanding of the situation faced by visually impaired students there.
Rod Schwartz journeyed to Toronto, Canada to address the first Canadian Social Entrepreneurship Summit. Attended by 250-300 Canadian social entrepreneurs, funders and other experts from across the country, this forum provided a unique opportunity to gain an insight into the situation in Canadian social business and social enterprise sector.
Catalyst in the Balkans
Rod Schwartz, CEO of Catalyst, spent six weeks in the Balkan region over the summer of 2007.
Catalyst in Thailand
Jessica Shortall, CEO of Catalyst Strategy Advisors, spent two weeks in Thailand during the summer of 2007, visiting social enterprise projects across the country that are working in HIV, education, agriculture, rural health, and economic development.
Catalyst in Sri Lanka
Angus Poston visited Sri lanka in the first half of 2007. Working together with SANASA, a micro-finance institution, he conducted an investigation of the country's Small and Medium Social Enterprises' and, in this report, offers some far-reaching conclusions. Catalyst is especially pleased to post Angus' findings as he is not a member of Catalyst staff but is a perfect example of the sort of catalyst we love to highlight and support.