Call to Social Entrepreneurs: Create a Smiling World

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — A subsistence farmer in Mindanao continues to struggle with limited access to markets and funding.

The Sustainable Growth for Rural Venture, Inc. (SUGRUVI) is a farmer cooperative that operates as a middleman, collecting produce from over 450 subsistence farmers and passing 80 percent of the price directly to the farmers.

LGT Venture Philanthropy, impact investor, looks at social enterprises such as SUGRUVI and unlocks its potential for growth. They provide hands-on operational and strategic guidance through SWAP, Smiling World Accelerator Program.

SWAP, a 9-24 month program, benefits early-stage social enterprises that have a high potential for scaling up and providing positive impact. Organizations get hands-on business consulting and financial support of up to US$50,000. Candidates will have further access to co-investment opportunities, mentorship and proprietary best-in-class tools.

SUGRUVI runs a training program on sustainable farming techniques around demonstration farms and empowers the community through education in self-management of operations and accounts. Through SWAP, SUGRUVI was able to purchase a truck and post-harvest equipment. A Memorandum of Agreement among all participating villages strengthened governance framework and business processes. A project proposition was drafted for additional funds for training expenses. With continued acceleration, LGT Venture Philanthropy is expecting over 3,000 farmers families to benefit and become financially independent in two to three years.

SWAP 2013 is now open to accept applications. For more information, here are additional resources:
• To know more about LGT Venture Philanthropy, log on to homepage, Facebook Page, Twitter Page
• To know more about SWAP 2013, log on to www.lgtvp.com/swap/partners
• Application forms can be downloaded from www.lgtvp.com/swap/applynow