Global Business Brigades

CLIENT: Lucia Gonzalez’ Organic Farm CHALLENGES: 1) Lucia wanted to continue an expansion project for her farm by buyingcrops from neighbouring communities and reselling them in Panama City for a profit. 2) Mrs. Gonzalez' needed assistance applying for a Kiva loan to gain access to more capital.... SOLUTIONS: The group of students that worked with Mrs. Gonzalez’ were able to create a business plan to help grow her business. Additionally, the students provided appropriate financial literacy tools and performed a credit analysis on her business to support and assess her application for a Kiva loan. Students followed up on her financial records and her inventory system to ensure stability. ************************************************************ #globalbusinessbrigades #globalbrigades #canada #universityofwaterloo #socialdevelopment #philanthropy #businessgrowth #smallbusiness #panama

CLIENT: Yadira Gomez’ Kiosk CHALLENGES: Yadira Gomez ran a small kiosk in the community and needed more capital to invest in her business but lacked financial literacy.... SOLUTIONS: The students worked to conduct a SWOT analysis of Yadira Gomez Kiosk’s business and identify future opportunities. They also assessed the potential for a Kiva loan. In addition, students developed a financial literacy workshop and tools for Ms. Gomez, as well as a new marketing strategy to increase the overall productivity and sales of the Kiosk. **************************************************************. #smallbusiness #globalbrigades #globalbusinessbrigades #universityofwaterloo #waterloo #panama #canada #financialliteracy #society #socialdevelopment #sustainabledevelopmentgoals

In August 2018, a group of 24 students from the University of Waterloo, University of Toronto, Northwestern University, and London School of Economics, embarked on a life changing volunteer trip (business brigade) to Panama, with the goal of consulting five businesses, auditing the Pueblo Nuevo community bank, and organizing community-wide financial literacy workshops. Throughout the week, the GBB team worked with entrepreneurs, growing businesses, and the Pueblo Nuevo community bank to analyze business problems, identify opportunities/goals, formulate business strategy, and develop sustainable solutions. **************************************************************. #panama #globalbrigadespanama #gblobalbusinessbrigades #universityofwaterloo #waterloo #uw #uoft

Join us on February 6th from 5-6pm in QNC 1502 to find out how you can empower communities around the world by consulting and advising local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community-led cooperative banks. Hope to see you there!

If you're interested in consulting, volunteering or travelling, Global Business Brigades may be the trip for you. Come find out more on how can you get involved during our information session on January 20th from 5-6pm in MC4040. Hope to see you there!