Innovative Business Models

Innovative Business Against Global Poverty

In partnership with Visa Inc, Business Fights Poverty launched yesterday a new report, at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, calling for the private sector and governments to recognise the economic potential of refugees and to support approaches that work for refugees and host communities.
icon-content-article-grey
In a world facing intersecting global crises, collective social innovators are reimagining how we collaborate. Moving beyond the lone innovator, they unite communities, NGOs, and governments to manage resources, influence policy, and drive systemic change. The Schwab Foundation’s new report highlights lessons from these changemakers, revealing the power of inclusive, participatory approaches to global problem-solving.
icon-content-article-grey
To stay resilient and impactful amid climate challenges, businesses must embrace a systems development approach. This article explores how Market Systems Development (MSD) can align business incentives with environmental goals, helping SMEs access ESG support and scale sustainable practices. MSD isn’t just a method—it’s a mindset for long-term, inclusive climate action and economic growth.
icon-content-article-grey
Sales agent models have the potential to improve access to goods and services while creating economic opportunity for women and youth. Drawing on work from Rwanda and Mozambique, TechnoServe’s Sophie Duchanoy and Sarah Bove share three key factors in making these approaches work.
icon-content-article-grey
As AI advances globally, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) risk being left behind. Yet AI holds transformative potential for addressing local challenges—from healthcare to climate resilience. This article explores the funding gaps, structural barriers, and innovation potential in LMICs, calling for inclusive investment, infrastructure, and policy to ensure AI delivers for everyone, everywhere.
icon-content-article-grey
Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) remains a major challenge for billions. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in filling this gap, but their impact can be enhanced through behaviour change strategies. By leveraging local trust, targeted communication, and data-driven insights, SMEs can drive healthier communities while growing sustainable businesses.
icon-content-article-grey
Global estimates measure a $3-4 trillion investment gap for adequate housing. By shifting resources directly to those in need for housing improvements, the private sector can play a major role in reducing the safety and health risks traditionally associated with informality in order to protect lives, assets, and wellbeing.
icon-content-article-grey
A new white paper from Heifer International and Fairfood International outlines a strategy to help suppliers and companies ensure farmers in commodity supply chains receive sustainable, living incomes. The paper details two open-source methodologies for determining actual production costs and efficiency for more transparent pricing and sustainability.
icon-content-article-grey
Social Impact Pioneer, Atul Tandon explains how financial inclusion transforms lives and the role of listening in inclusive finance
icon-content-podcast-grey
Waste to Wonder Worldwide transforms discarded corporate furniture into valuable resources for underserved communities. Since 2003, its “School in a Box” initiative has furnished over 1,400 schools in 40 countries, impacting 1.5 million young people. This social enterprise exemplifies how businesses can leverage resources to drive sustainability and social change, creating a lasting global impact.
icon-content-article-grey
It is well established that women and girls experience poverty in greater numbers than men and boys. This “feminization” of poverty presents itself in many forms, with women worse off when it comes to access to credit, land ownership and the impacts of climate change. But rather than seeing women as victims, a growing movement within the international development sector recognises them as the key to change.
icon-content-article-grey
Social Impact Pioneer Alix Lebec explains how finance and philanthropy can tackle global challenges, from climate change to poverty.
icon-content-podcast-grey
Discover how Afro-futurist innovators are shaping the next wave of technological and cultural advancements. By blending African heritage with futuristic ideas, they offer unique perspectives on building a more inclusive future. Explore the intersection of technology, culture, and social progress in this groundbreaking movement
icon-content-article-grey
Explore Dr. Martin Burt’s insights on empowering the poor through business and capitalism. Discover how innovative strategies and the Poverty Stoplight model can transform poverty relief, emphasising the role of businesses in fostering economic growth and self-sufficiency. Learn how a shift in perspective can help eradicate poverty.
icon-content-article-grey
Global supply chains have historically sidelined Mexican Smallholder farmers but they are now at the forefront of an agricultural transformation. Discover how a unique partnership between multinational buyers and local farmers is steering the adoption of regenerative practices that enhance food security and promote environmentally positive practices.
icon-content-article-grey
The Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter helps businesses tap into an invisible market segment, creating profitable and impactful solutions for low-income communities. Learn about successful pilot projects and key strategies for businesses to achieve sustainable growth and community benefits.
icon-content-article-grey
Join us for this online written discussion to explore how we can balance tourism growth with housing affordability for local communities.
forum_grey
Join us for this online written discussion to explore how we can balance tourism growth with housing affordability for local communities. Thursday 11 July
event-grey
Exploring the practical challenges of utilising business strategies to fight poverty in developing countries, this article delves into investor interests, innovation trends, donor support, and the impact investment landscape. Join the discussion on aligning goals with ground realities to maximise social impact.
icon-content-article-grey
It’s been 20 years since C.K. Prahalad popularized the Base of the Pyramid concept, targeting the 3 billion people living on less than $2.5 a day. Despite numerous ventures and educational focus, comprehensive long-term outcomes remain unclear. This series of articles examines BoP successes, challenges, and the need for strategic resource allocation in impact investing.
icon-content-article-grey

What do we mean by "Innovative Business Models"?

Explore innovative business models to fight global poverty effectively. Our initiatives focus on practical solutions that deliver real change.

Sub-topics within this category

There are no sub-topics within this Category.