The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund's grant to TechnoServe is being used to implement the Haitian Business Accelerator, which intends to transform small and growing businesses into investment-ready, bankable companies positioned to promote jobs and develop Haiti's formal economy.
The formal business sector in Haiti is small. Many small and growing companies need the business expertise and, in some cases, the seed capital, to enter into it. TechnoServe's Haitian Business Accelerator seeks to use business plan competitions to find these promising entrepreneurs, and work alongside these investment-worthy companies to provide them with practical business training.
Program Updates
Applications to participate in the upcoming Mon Entreprise, Mon Avenir business plan competition are due December 15, 2011. Interested entrepreneurs should visit www.memahaiti.org for more information.
Why We Invested in the Haitian Business Accelerator
Clinton Bush Haiti Fund's grant to TechnoServe's Haitian Business Accelerator reflects our commitment to restarting, expanding and creating small and growing businesses, while empowering individuals and organizations to transition from the informal to the formal sector.
Transforming Lives and Livelihoods
The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund grant to support the Haitian Business Accelerator aims to:
•Identify and support Haitian entrepreneurs through capacity-building and practical business training;
•Facilitate access to finance for developing enterprises;
•Strengthen entrepreneurship networks by collaborating with existing institutions, ultimately strengthening the business development services sector of Haiti;
•Develop a project that will, after three years, pass the business development services it provides on to Haitian institutions.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Political Analysis Of The 2011 Haitian Electoral Process
Over the years, the United States has exerted its influence over the democratic process in Haiti. This was particularly evident during the current 2011 presidential election. The Preval government like many rigged elections before had sought to revoke the candidacy of several candidates including the popular Michel Martelly. However, Canada, France and the United States rightly threatened to revoke the visas of several prominent Preval government officials, cut off financial aid and deem the Haitian government illegitimate if Michel Martelly was not allowed to proceed in the elections.
Weisbrot(2011) and the nonprofit The Center for Economic Policy(CEP) felt the Organization of American States and the Martely decision to be an injustice to Haitian democracy(para. 4). Weisbrot(2011) categorized the process as one in which foreign governments like the United States have acted in a way as to “control” the democratic process in Haiti(para 5). Weisbrot's flawed analysis could not be further from the truth. The United States, Canada and France have been long time important allies of Haitian democracy. These countries have steadfastly guarded Haitian democracy and are actively involved in the process to ensure that the Haiti elections is a fair and equitable process and that the candidates offered were indeed candidates desirous of the will of the Haitian people. Kuleta(2011) got it right when he stated that the US, Canada and France were not in Haiti to “control” the process but to “monitor” the fairness of the electoral process(p.3).
Kuleta(2011) rightly infers the CEPR analysis to be politically flawed p.1). In addition, Beeton(2011) wrongly suggests the Organization of American States (OAS) election mission report as a “pretext for international pressure on the Haitian government to overturn the initial count from the November 2010 general election which had placed Celestin slightly ahead of Martelly(para4).” Word of mouth from verified family members and friends in Haiti during this period proved to be patently false. OAS and Kuleta(2011) correctly suggested that Michel Martelly had been the frontrunner candidate from day one. The Preval government and their political crony candidate Jude Celestin found this to be a vexing affirmation of the will of the Haitian peoples. Many outsiders including Mr. Weisbrot, CEPR and Beeton did not realize that Jude Celestin was also Rene Preval’s son in law and that Preval’s nepotism was at the heart of the Haitian political controversy. The United States, Canada and France were trying to prevent Preval cronies from hijacking the electoral process.
Beeton(2011)'s misguided analysis found OAS’s vote tally to be “methodically and statistically flawed” and “appears to be a political decision and not a professional decision that favored Michel Martelly“(para 4). Careful and independent reviews of the vote count left no doubt Michel Martely had been the frontrunner candidate. Kuleta(2011) rightly suggests it is CEPR’s analysis that is tragically flawed and a grave injustice to the Haitian democratic dialogue. The audited OAS study believed OAS conducted a detailed, audited and fair tally of votes despite Preval’s flawed and nepotistic governmental intent. OAS accurately precluded Preval’s cronyism and executed real time and tangible democracy for the Haitian people. The US Ambassador to Haiti did eloquently get it right when he stated that “We simply want the will of the Haitian people to be respected(para 6).”(Beeton) To their detriment, Weisbrot, Beeton et al. failed to understand the political will of the Haitian people.
In conclusion,when reading high search content be sure it passes rigorous editorial review. High ranking content may not necessarily equate to quality analysis. People that search the internet for quality articles on a particular subject like Haitian politics should be careful to use all inclusive and real time methods for conducting research like actual surveys of Haitian residents, interviews from friends and family in Haiti as well as actual witness statements. Be careful when jumping head first onto the Wikileaks bandwagon. Oftentimes, people sit behind a computer and type a few search terms then look at the top search results or "Wikileaks" as the authority on the subject. As this article attempts to suggest, high search articles may sometimes produce flawed political analyses.
Weisbrot, Mark Haiti's Democracy In The Balance http://www.guardian.co.uk January 18, 2011
Beeton, Dan "Big Setback for Haitian Democracy as U.S. Gets Its Way; Forces Runoff Elections Between Two Right-Wing Candidates” http://www.cepr.net February 3, 2011
Kuleta, Gene “Is Haiti’s Presidential Runoff Election Now On Track?” http://thedialogue.org March 9, 2011
Weisbrot(2011) and the nonprofit The Center for Economic Policy(CEP) felt the Organization of American States and the Martely decision to be an injustice to Haitian democracy(para. 4). Weisbrot(2011) categorized the process as one in which foreign governments like the United States have acted in a way as to “control” the democratic process in Haiti(para 5). Weisbrot's flawed analysis could not be further from the truth. The United States, Canada and France have been long time important allies of Haitian democracy. These countries have steadfastly guarded Haitian democracy and are actively involved in the process to ensure that the Haiti elections is a fair and equitable process and that the candidates offered were indeed candidates desirous of the will of the Haitian people. Kuleta(2011) got it right when he stated that the US, Canada and France were not in Haiti to “control” the process but to “monitor” the fairness of the electoral process(p.3).
Kuleta(2011) rightly infers the CEPR analysis to be politically flawed p.1). In addition, Beeton(2011) wrongly suggests the Organization of American States (OAS) election mission report as a “pretext for international pressure on the Haitian government to overturn the initial count from the November 2010 general election which had placed Celestin slightly ahead of Martelly(para4).” Word of mouth from verified family members and friends in Haiti during this period proved to be patently false. OAS and Kuleta(2011) correctly suggested that Michel Martelly had been the frontrunner candidate from day one. The Preval government and their political crony candidate Jude Celestin found this to be a vexing affirmation of the will of the Haitian peoples. Many outsiders including Mr. Weisbrot, CEPR and Beeton did not realize that Jude Celestin was also Rene Preval’s son in law and that Preval’s nepotism was at the heart of the Haitian political controversy. The United States, Canada and France were trying to prevent Preval cronies from hijacking the electoral process.
Beeton(2011)'s misguided analysis found OAS’s vote tally to be “methodically and statistically flawed” and “appears to be a political decision and not a professional decision that favored Michel Martelly“(para 4). Careful and independent reviews of the vote count left no doubt Michel Martely had been the frontrunner candidate. Kuleta(2011) rightly suggests it is CEPR’s analysis that is tragically flawed and a grave injustice to the Haitian democratic dialogue. The audited OAS study believed OAS conducted a detailed, audited and fair tally of votes despite Preval’s flawed and nepotistic governmental intent. OAS accurately precluded Preval’s cronyism and executed real time and tangible democracy for the Haitian people. The US Ambassador to Haiti did eloquently get it right when he stated that “We simply want the will of the Haitian people to be respected(para 6).”(Beeton) To their detriment, Weisbrot, Beeton et al. failed to understand the political will of the Haitian people.
In conclusion,when reading high search content be sure it passes rigorous editorial review. High ranking content may not necessarily equate to quality analysis. People that search the internet for quality articles on a particular subject like Haitian politics should be careful to use all inclusive and real time methods for conducting research like actual surveys of Haitian residents, interviews from friends and family in Haiti as well as actual witness statements. Be careful when jumping head first onto the Wikileaks bandwagon. Oftentimes, people sit behind a computer and type a few search terms then look at the top search results or "Wikileaks" as the authority on the subject. As this article attempts to suggest, high search articles may sometimes produce flawed political analyses.
Weisbrot, Mark Haiti's Democracy In The Balance http://www.guardian.co.uk January 18, 2011
Beeton, Dan "Big Setback for Haitian Democracy as U.S. Gets Its Way; Forces Runoff Elections Between Two Right-Wing Candidates” http://www.cepr.net February 3, 2011
Kuleta, Gene “Is Haiti’s Presidential Runoff Election Now On Track?” http://thedialogue.org March 9, 2011
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Haiti Business Development: A Catalyst For Haiti's Long Term Economic Revival
Dear Friend:
My name is Gus Schmidt. I am an economic development specialist by trade, international real estate investor and successful transportation entrepreneur: Gus Schmidt In Crains New York Business-Click Here
I have had numerous write-ups on my economic development work including New York Daily News(see article at bottom) and New York Newsday. I was instrumental in the loan underwriting and turnaround strategy for Eveready Carbeuretor of Queens Village New York: Gus Schmidt In Eveready Turnaround Strategy-Click Here
Until the earthquake, Haiti was experiencing upside economic momentum:Haiti's Economic Development Macroeconomic Outlook Since 2005 Unfortunately, the 7.0 earthquake struck near the capital and created devastating economic damage. Communications have been significantly damaged in the disaster, but there is no doubt that the needs will be urgent both short and long term. Many buildings, including essential services like hospitals, have been destroyed meaning this disaster may become a major catastrophe. The extent of the devastation is still unclear but there are fears tens of thousands of people have died.
The Earthquake Has Now Crushed Haiti's Economic Revival Haiti's worst quake in two centuries hit south of the capital Port-au-Prince, wrecking the presidential palace, UN HQ and other buildings. A "large number" of UN personnel were reported dead by the organisation. Many people continue spend nights outside amid fears of more aftershocks.
The Red Cross says up to three million people have been affected. Describing the earthquake as a "catastrophe", Haiti's envoy to the US said the cost of the damage would run into billions. A number of nations, including the US, UK and Venezuela, have sent aid. Because of their special needs, and the fact they are often less able to flee, women and girls are usually the most vulnerable in emergencies, and will require immediate assistance. You can help the response today.
As in all disasters, needs included clean water, shelter, food and medical aid. Haiti cannot get a break. The country has suffered political unrest for centuries, natural disasters, famine and hunger. Make no mistake this is a disaster of historic proportions. I am currently organizing Haiti's LONG TERM business development efforts for those interested in assisting in THE WORST DISASTER in the western hemisphere's most impoverished country. I have visited Haiti numerous times as a tourist and businessperson. I am providing my economic development expertise, resources and contacts to this unparalleled calamity in our country's history. Unlike current relief efforts, a more longer term economic development strategy is paramount to Haiti's turnaround.
According to foreignpolicy.com, the answer is: Endow A Multi-Billion Dollar Haiti Fund. Unlike current relief efforts, The Haiti Economic Development Fund is a grass roots not for profit fund created and designed to enhance Haiti's long term job and business development initiatives which include entrepreneurship, power generation, telecommunications infrastructure development, microfinance for small businesses, small business technical assistance, export marketing and tourism promotion. These economic development strategies are being formulated and designed to ensure Haiti's long term business viablity and future prosperity. As Youri Mevs, managing partner of WIN Group Haiti said, "While humanitarian aid is crucial to Haiti, we must build an infrastructure that lays the foundation for ongoing, sustainable economic growth. In the long term, job creation is the first step to improving people’s quality of life." The HEDF is a private, nonprofit investment fund designed to continue the mission of investing in small and medium-sized local Haitian businesses. The initial goal of the Fund is to take the unique combination of public funding and private skill and encourage free-market development through micro-loans and equity investments in small and medium sized enterprises. It is hoped that every dollar invested by the Funds will attract an additional two dollars from other investors. The final goal is that all Enterprise Funds will have transitioned to the private sector by seeding and raising private equity funds, which in turn will raise follow-on private equity funds that stay in Haiti fueling more economic growth through investment.
I urge the world community to assist me in this most important aspect of Haiti's long term economic recovery. Kindly donate any amount you can via the paypal donate button below.
Donate $10 Or More To HEDF And I'll Send You "Underground Web Traffic Black Book" 77 Page eBook By Kim Roach FREE!
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke: Enterprise Development Fund Needed to help Haiti Rebuild after January 12th Earthquake “An extremely effective tool for fostering growth in recovering nations.”U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke, Democrat of Brooklyn, was focusing the attention of U.S. President Barack Obama on the value of the Enterprise Development Fund model while at the same time recommending that the U.S. create one for Haiti in the aftermath of the mammoth natural disaster which hit the Caribbean country two months ago. “As we seek to develop long term recovery initiatives in Haiti, we must focus on economic development,” she told the President in a letter. “It is vital that we help Haitian citizens establish the institutions which will foster job creation and sustainable wealth. “Spurring economic development will require a robust toolkit,” she went on.
“History has taught us that the Enterprise Development Fund model is an extremely effective tool for fostering growth in recovering nations. Enterprise Development Funds have the unique purpose of encouraging sustainable economic development through loans and equity investments in small and medium-sized indigenous businesses. These investments have proven crucial because these firms operate in countries where such funding is unreliable and inaccessible. The Funds are operated by independent boards of talented and committed business people. In addition to supplying sorely needed financing, the experienced investors working for an enterprise fund also provide technical assistance to entrepreneurs, maximizing business success, and return on investment dollars.”
Clarke reminded Obama that Congress authorized Enterprise Development Funds in the 1989 Seed Act “in order to promote the development of robust private sectors in former Soviet Bloc countries.” Just as important, President Bill Clinton “on a handshake” with South African President Nelson Mandela used the model “to help South Africa emerge from its apartheid rule by providing economic opportunity to its formerly disenfranchised population.” That was why such a Fund for Haiti wasn’t simply appropriate but badly needed at this time. And the President could establish one with the stroke of a pen through an executive order, she explained. “A Haitian Enterprise Development fund would contribute to the creation of a robust private sector in the struggling nation,” was the way she put the case. “Congress created the Enterprise Development model in response to rapid and unprecedented political and economic changes within former Soviet satellite nations.
The deadly Haitian earthquake presents the same kind of unprecedented political and economic upheaval, and the U.S. Government should respond accordingly. ”Haiti needs assistance that will produce a sustainable economy, not just a relief economy. This horrible tragedy may present just the opportunity for Americans to put their resources to work in a way that will create long-term economic sustainability in a country bereft of stability. Any amount you can donate will surely help our impoverished nation toward economic recovery. Thank you for reading this blog,
Gus Schmidt
Contact: schmidt.gus@gmail.com
My name is Gus Schmidt. I am an economic development specialist by trade, international real estate investor and successful transportation entrepreneur: Gus Schmidt In Crains New York Business-Click Here
I have had numerous write-ups on my economic development work including New York Daily News(see article at bottom) and New York Newsday. I was instrumental in the loan underwriting and turnaround strategy for Eveready Carbeuretor of Queens Village New York: Gus Schmidt In Eveready Turnaround Strategy-Click Here
Until the earthquake, Haiti was experiencing upside economic momentum:Haiti's Economic Development Macroeconomic Outlook Since 2005 Unfortunately, the 7.0 earthquake struck near the capital and created devastating economic damage. Communications have been significantly damaged in the disaster, but there is no doubt that the needs will be urgent both short and long term. Many buildings, including essential services like hospitals, have been destroyed meaning this disaster may become a major catastrophe. The extent of the devastation is still unclear but there are fears tens of thousands of people have died.
The Earthquake Has Now Crushed Haiti's Economic Revival Haiti's worst quake in two centuries hit south of the capital Port-au-Prince, wrecking the presidential palace, UN HQ and other buildings. A "large number" of UN personnel were reported dead by the organisation. Many people continue spend nights outside amid fears of more aftershocks.
The Red Cross says up to three million people have been affected. Describing the earthquake as a "catastrophe", Haiti's envoy to the US said the cost of the damage would run into billions. A number of nations, including the US, UK and Venezuela, have sent aid. Because of their special needs, and the fact they are often less able to flee, women and girls are usually the most vulnerable in emergencies, and will require immediate assistance. You can help the response today.
As in all disasters, needs included clean water, shelter, food and medical aid. Haiti cannot get a break. The country has suffered political unrest for centuries, natural disasters, famine and hunger. Make no mistake this is a disaster of historic proportions. I am currently organizing Haiti's LONG TERM business development efforts for those interested in assisting in THE WORST DISASTER in the western hemisphere's most impoverished country. I have visited Haiti numerous times as a tourist and businessperson. I am providing my economic development expertise, resources and contacts to this unparalleled calamity in our country's history. Unlike current relief efforts, a more longer term economic development strategy is paramount to Haiti's turnaround.
According to foreignpolicy.com, the answer is: Endow A Multi-Billion Dollar Haiti Fund. Unlike current relief efforts, The Haiti Economic Development Fund is a grass roots not for profit fund created and designed to enhance Haiti's long term job and business development initiatives which include entrepreneurship, power generation, telecommunications infrastructure development, microfinance for small businesses, small business technical assistance, export marketing and tourism promotion. These economic development strategies are being formulated and designed to ensure Haiti's long term business viablity and future prosperity. As Youri Mevs, managing partner of WIN Group Haiti said, "While humanitarian aid is crucial to Haiti, we must build an infrastructure that lays the foundation for ongoing, sustainable economic growth. In the long term, job creation is the first step to improving people’s quality of life." The HEDF is a private, nonprofit investment fund designed to continue the mission of investing in small and medium-sized local Haitian businesses. The initial goal of the Fund is to take the unique combination of public funding and private skill and encourage free-market development through micro-loans and equity investments in small and medium sized enterprises. It is hoped that every dollar invested by the Funds will attract an additional two dollars from other investors. The final goal is that all Enterprise Funds will have transitioned to the private sector by seeding and raising private equity funds, which in turn will raise follow-on private equity funds that stay in Haiti fueling more economic growth through investment.
I urge the world community to assist me in this most important aspect of Haiti's long term economic recovery. Kindly donate any amount you can via the paypal donate button below.
Donate $10 Or More To HEDF And I'll Send You "Underground Web Traffic Black Book" 77 Page eBook By Kim Roach FREE!
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke: Enterprise Development Fund Needed to help Haiti Rebuild after January 12th Earthquake “An extremely effective tool for fostering growth in recovering nations.”U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke, Democrat of Brooklyn, was focusing the attention of U.S. President Barack Obama on the value of the Enterprise Development Fund model while at the same time recommending that the U.S. create one for Haiti in the aftermath of the mammoth natural disaster which hit the Caribbean country two months ago. “As we seek to develop long term recovery initiatives in Haiti, we must focus on economic development,” she told the President in a letter. “It is vital that we help Haitian citizens establish the institutions which will foster job creation and sustainable wealth. “Spurring economic development will require a robust toolkit,” she went on.
“History has taught us that the Enterprise Development Fund model is an extremely effective tool for fostering growth in recovering nations. Enterprise Development Funds have the unique purpose of encouraging sustainable economic development through loans and equity investments in small and medium-sized indigenous businesses. These investments have proven crucial because these firms operate in countries where such funding is unreliable and inaccessible. The Funds are operated by independent boards of talented and committed business people. In addition to supplying sorely needed financing, the experienced investors working for an enterprise fund also provide technical assistance to entrepreneurs, maximizing business success, and return on investment dollars.”
Clarke reminded Obama that Congress authorized Enterprise Development Funds in the 1989 Seed Act “in order to promote the development of robust private sectors in former Soviet Bloc countries.” Just as important, President Bill Clinton “on a handshake” with South African President Nelson Mandela used the model “to help South Africa emerge from its apartheid rule by providing economic opportunity to its formerly disenfranchised population.” That was why such a Fund for Haiti wasn’t simply appropriate but badly needed at this time. And the President could establish one with the stroke of a pen through an executive order, she explained. “A Haitian Enterprise Development fund would contribute to the creation of a robust private sector in the struggling nation,” was the way she put the case. “Congress created the Enterprise Development model in response to rapid and unprecedented political and economic changes within former Soviet satellite nations.
The deadly Haitian earthquake presents the same kind of unprecedented political and economic upheaval, and the U.S. Government should respond accordingly. ”Haiti needs assistance that will produce a sustainable economy, not just a relief economy. This horrible tragedy may present just the opportunity for Americans to put their resources to work in a way that will create long-term economic sustainability in a country bereft of stability. Any amount you can donate will surely help our impoverished nation toward economic recovery. Thank you for reading this blog,
Gus Schmidt
Contact: schmidt.gus@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
