Social Enterprise

It pays the bills. So we don't have to (forever).

 

 

 

In short, social enterprise is a for-profit business model that re-invests the profits into a non-profit operation instead of paying out to shareholders.

 

It's a business that makes money, money that will pay the bills at New Bridge for Cambodia Organization (NBFCO).

That's the whole idea.  

 

 

Establish a strong base of health, education, water and employment training projects over five to seven years that work together to support our anti-child trafficking aim.  Meanwhile, NBFCO builds up a successful business that will pay all of its program overhead once we depart.  We're here to 'resource' Paul and NBFCO so that this becomes a reality.

 

 

For starters, Paul has graduated a Project Management Certificate, ESL training and is currently enrolled at University for Business. This is how we are investing in Paul. We are paying for this education so that he can invest in NBFCO.

 

Secondly, we are asking Paul to apply his new skills in trialling business ideas to begin bringing in profit to supplement our current project funding.  We began funding the projects at 100%, after two and a half years we reduced to %50; conditions and amounts are flexible; mirroring microcredit-style situationally-specific expectations.  

Long story short, we will not be here forever and we have already started to shift ownership onto  Paul so that he can pay his project bills.

 

Paul aims to undermine the trafficking and exploitation of the children in his village and school by keeping our projects alive and thriving. Though all of the projects were established together, they are in essence his. We at GWG are simply here to help him establish strong program standards and delivery as well as organize resources.  (Hint- Paul is the greatest resource of them all).

 

 

Third, Paul has decided the best business model combines several opportunities; one of which is the establishment of a sewing class for local women based out of his new school building. The class will have a nominal charge, payable after the women complete the course and begin to turn a profit.  The class will have the added effect of upskilling the mothers of the community who are currently unable to attain paying-work.  This will benefit the children and families Paul supports through his health and education efforts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally Paul will run a shop front in the local artisan market. Training and paid work will be available for his older students (after classes of course), including the opportunity to practice English with tourists purchasing local goodies on vacation.  A great opportunity as the best speaking students gain a genuine edge in the local job market.

 

Social Enterprise is no re-invention of the wheel, but it is appropriate for an economy such as Siem Reap; undermined by reliance on foreign donors and aid funding.  

 

Very importantly, being able to meet his own financial needs, Paul will be able to close his doors to external donors who may pose a threat to the children in his villages.  Cambodia is renowned for child-exploitation and Siem Reap is ripe with well-intentioned tourists eager to donate, as well as predators looking for a guise under which to visit a school such as ours.

 

Child safe policies are in place already, but the safest option is to rely on nobody but themselves.  We are proud and excited to continue our work with Paul in Siem Reap and look forward to progressing through the continued evolution of our anti-child trafficking programming with him. 

 

Do Good.

Be Better.