This is a project that I’m involved in here in Cape Town, South Africa: http://www.sasix.co.za/ – it’s a social investment exchange that allows individuals to invest in projects where the return is of a social kind.

“Investors purchase “social shares” in these projects, at a standard cost of R50 (3 quid) each. However, while the conventional stock exchange yields a financial return, Sasix yields a social return: the upliftment of poor people’s lives.”

The next step is, well, I don’t want to give too much away, but we are planning all sorts of interesting future developments. In a nutshell, it involves investing in social developments with a social and financial return through web-based initiatives.

regards,
Alan

you can get the homeless to donate body parts for money. It will benefit everyone and you are making a difference in peoples lives.

Follow your dreams!

In the web space im a big fan of Kiva.org (Excellent Concept).

Speaking of money with your name on it, how about an update on the Dropsend sale? Are you still persuing the sale?

Sorry, there’s not much to update! We’re currently waiting on two buyers to see if they come back with formal offers. I’ll post when something happens.

It’s taking forever …

http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2006/

Still thinking … :)
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Ryan,

Have been reading your blog for quite a while and impressed by the stuff you guys are doing in Bath. But on the topic… I think you can do internet business, do what you do the best and then you will make the biggest impact if you partner with someone who knows how to help people. I am not saying just giving money, but actively working with the charity/organization. That’s what we do in our company and that is what is our vision. We will be at your event(FOWA) if you want to have a chat ;).

Thumbs up!

Janusz

That’s funny you mention Microfinance. It’s really been on my mind recently. Might follow that one up!

- Ryan

There’s no reason why one can’t build a business doing pretty much anything, which donates a hefty portion of its profits to charity as a matter of principle.

Sure, but I’d rather that the actual activities of the business have a direct impact on people’s lives.

Still thinking … :)

If you actually had in mind a business that runs in needy communities, helping them etc (in the ways you mentioned) and aimed at having a safe balance sheet from that, then maybe you are missing it a bit – except if you intend to exploit the governments/peoples of those places. Remember Iraq oil-for-food programme…

Best is to do business ethically, make mega profits and support charity – anywhere. It could be self-fulfilling! I am hoping I get there too …

Assuming that the business is not unethical, obviously.

The most common error is trying to do too much. Let’s say you’re making a social music network. We already have those. Lot’s of them. What we don’t have is a good “music network” dedicated to a piece of a certain genre. Don’t feed the audience with more than they wish for.

I’m involved in a couple of interesting projects myself these days. Every single one of the projects have been done before by others. Despite that, they are still fresh ideas. How? l10n. :-)