Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs
Encyclopedia
The Aspen Network of Network Entrepreneurs (ANDE) is a non-governmental organization
that aims to serve as a global network of organizations that invest money and expertise to propel entrepreneurship in developing countries. ANDE is a membership organization housed within the Aspen Institute
, an international non-profit organization. ANDE members focus on small and growing businesses (SGBs) that create economic, environmental, and social benefits in developing countries. Some of the leading foundations and organizations that focus on entrepreneurship development, such as the Citi Foundation, Goldman Sachs
, the Kauffman Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation
, and the Shell Foundation
, among others, make up the ANDE membership.
Unlike the microfinance
movement, ANDE focuses on the “missing middle” – those businesses and entrepreneurs needing investments that are too large for microfinance loans and too small for traditional bank loans. ANDE defines SGBs as commercially viable businesses with 5 to 250 employees with a strong potential for growth.
field gathered to discuss poverty alleviation through business development
. This group believed that there was a way to effectively and successfully alleviate poverty through investments in social entrepreneurs in the emerging markets. In July, 2008, thirty-five of these leaders gathered in Aspen for a three-day working meeting. By the end of this meeting, ANDE was born with commitments in seed funding by eight leading foundations.
Housed as a policy program of the Aspen Institute
, ANDE was officially launched in January 2009 with the hiring of Randall Kempner as the Executive Director.
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...
that aims to serve as a global network of organizations that invest money and expertise to propel entrepreneurship in developing countries. ANDE is a membership organization housed within the Aspen Institute
Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1950 as the Aspen Institute of Humanistic Studies. The organization is dedicated to "fostering enlightened leadership, the appreciation of timeless ideas and values, and open-minded dialogue on contemporary issues." The...
, an international non-profit organization. ANDE members focus on small and growing businesses (SGBs) that create economic, environmental, and social benefits in developing countries. Some of the leading foundations and organizations that focus on entrepreneurship development, such as the Citi Foundation, Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is an American multinational bulge bracket investment banking and securities firm that engages in global investment banking, securities, investment management, and other financial services primarily with institutional clients...
, the Kauffman Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation
Rockefeller Foundation
The Rockefeller Foundation is a prominent philanthropic organization and private foundation based at 420 Fifth Avenue, New York City. The preeminent institution established by the six-generation Rockefeller family, it was founded by John D. Rockefeller , along with his son John D. Rockefeller, Jr...
, and the Shell Foundation
Shell Foundation
The Shell Foundation is an initiative of the oil major Royal Dutch Shell. Launched in1997, it is a worldwide, social investment initiative to concentrate on working with external partners to promote sustainable development...
, among others, make up the ANDE membership.
Unlike the microfinance
Microfinance
Microfinance is the provision of financial services to low-income clients or solidarity lending groups including consumers and the self-employed, who traditionally lack access to banking and related services....
movement, ANDE focuses on the “missing middle” – those businesses and entrepreneurs needing investments that are too large for microfinance loans and too small for traditional bank loans. ANDE defines SGBs as commercially viable businesses with 5 to 250 employees with a strong potential for growth.
History
The idea for the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs developed when a small coalition of leaders in the impact investmentSocially responsible investing
Socially responsible investing , also known as sustainable, socially conscious, or ethical investing, describes an investment strategy which seeks to consider both financial return and social good....
field gathered to discuss poverty alleviation through business development
Business development
A subset of the field of commerce, business development comprises a number of techniques and responsibilities which aim at:1. Researching new types of business/products/services with an emphasis on identifying gaps in the mitigation of needs of potential clients .2. Attracting new customers3...
. This group believed that there was a way to effectively and successfully alleviate poverty through investments in social entrepreneurs in the emerging markets. In July, 2008, thirty-five of these leaders gathered in Aspen for a three-day working meeting. By the end of this meeting, ANDE was born with commitments in seed funding by eight leading foundations.
Housed as a policy program of the Aspen Institute
Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1950 as the Aspen Institute of Humanistic Studies. The organization is dedicated to "fostering enlightened leadership, the appreciation of timeless ideas and values, and open-minded dialogue on contemporary issues." The...
, ANDE was officially launched in January 2009 with the hiring of Randall Kempner as the Executive Director.
Membership
The list of ANDE member organizations can be found here http://www.aspeninstitute.org/policy-work/aspen-network-development-entrepreneurs/about-membership According to the organization’s website, ANDE is a “global organization dedicated to both advocating for the growth of the SGB sector and offering services and programs to support the organizations operating in the space. Operating in over 130 developing world countries, our members offer a diverse set of resources to support SGBs, and through the network, provide an unmatched resource to one another. ANDE develops initiatives to address systemic challenges and opportunities that can only be approached through collective action.”Focus Areas
ANDE focuses its work on five key program areas :- Knowledge Sharing & Networking
- Training & Talent Development
- Metrics & Evaluation
- Capacity Building Fund
- Advocacy & Education