About

Social Business and Microeconomic Opportunities for Youth Conference

Name the Problem, Discover the Solution, Create the Change! 

In March 2008, leading microcredit practitioners, academics, students, multinational corporations, nongovernmental organizations, businesses concerned with the triple bottom line and sustainable philanthropy, governmental organizations focused on youth, groups devoted to social business, and change agents will gather to explore the opportunities associated with social business and microeconomic development for youth and to create new avenues for ending poverty. 

This conference is designed as an action space for social entrepreneurs, microfinance practitioners, business leaders, students, and thought influencers who address the issue of poverty with a particular focus on youth.  Social business creates wealth, jobs, and solutions to current problems and supports the community and the environment while also meeting bottom line objectives. Change agents come in different sizes and shapes, from a corporation changing an industry to a young adult using discarded plastic bottles for home insulation.  To effect change we must invest in it! This conference will identify and offer leadership opportunities, demonstrate social business projects, and stimulate new social business ventures around the world, all in an effort to profile and address issues related to youth poverty.

In response to a challenge by Dr. Yunus, the conference is showcasing a Social Business Plan competition to coincide with Dr. Yunus’ visit to Denver Colorado.

The goal of the competition is to encourage entrepreneurs to create social businesses that positively impact poverty with a focus on youth.  Winners of the competition will receive seed money funding for the business.