Olivier Lafourcade at the 5th ANDE anniversary meeting

Investisseurs & Partenaires took part this week to the 5^th anniversary of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs in London. This meeting was the occasion to gather around more than 100 participants. Olivier Lafourcade, Chairman of I&P’s board was among the guests to accompany the ANDE through this milestone celebration.

The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) is a global network of organizations that propel entrepreneurship in emerging markets. ANDE members provide critical financial, educational, and business support services to small and growing businesses (SGBs) based on the conviction that SGBs will create jobs, stimulate long-term economic growth, and produce environmental and social benefits.  Ultimately, ANDE believes that SGBs can help lift countries out of poverty. ANDE is part of the Aspen Institute, an educational and policy studies organization.

In 5 years, the ANDE has achieved

• More than 1200 individuals participating in working groups on topics such as Women's Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Agriculture and Metrics & Research
• $2.1 million granted to 39 projects through ANDE's Capacity Development Fund
• Over $250,000 in scholarships to attend ANDE events
• 2000+ individuals have participated in ANDE events all over the world
• 6 Regional Chapters have been established in Brazil, Central American & Mexico, East Africa, India, South Africa, West Africa and our newly forming East and Southeast Asia Chapter (2014)!