Day 1 of the ANDE Annual Conference kicked off with a warm welcome from Devin Chesney, ANDE’s Interim Executive Director. Devin took us on a journey through the evolution of development aid, from post-WWII reconstruction to the complex challenges facing developing economies today. He emphasized the critical need to support local entrepreneurs and build thriving ecosystems, echoing ANDE’s core mission.
Devin highlighted several key ANDE initiatives that are driving real impact:
- SCALE: This program, supported by the Argidius Foundation, showcases the transformative power of robust business development services for small and growing businesses (SGBs).
- GALI: The Global Accelerator Learning Initiative is providing valuable insights to help accelerator programs better serve entrepreneurs.
Devin’s closing message was a powerful reminder that collaboration is key. “Instead of competing for a bigger slice of the pie, letās focus on how we can grow the pie together.”
The first group of sessions at the ANDE Annual Global Conference offered valuable insights from our partners:
Jennifer M Cinelli-Oomen from Habitat for Humanity International highlighted the critical yet often overlooked topic of shelter tech, emphasizing its significance in the broader conversation about housing and innovation.
Patrick Obonyo from the IKEA Foundation stressed the importance of fostering sustainable and equitable growth.
Charlotte Friedli, from Shell LiveWIRE, emphasized that as climate challenges persist, they will continue supporting green entrepreneurs to create meaningful impact.
Spark Talks: Igniting Innovation
The energy in the room soared during the Spark Talks, where we heard from inspiring innovators tackling global challenges.
- Nihar Agarwal (Green Banana): Nihar shared her passion for sustainable construction, highlighting the industry’s significant carbon footprint. Her solution? planet-friendly and climate-resilient construction innovations, such as interlocking DIY construction blocks, which are both socially transformative and financially scalable, promoting sustainability and resilience. She urged the audience to support climate-conscious SGBs and empower women in the construction sector.
- Elfid Torres (FUNDES): Elfid brought a personal touch to the discussion of supply chain diversity in Latin America. He showcased how integrating marginalized communities into corporate value chains can drive inclusive growth and uplift entire communities.
- Chiedza Pasipanodya & Duncan Kipkirui (WUSC): This duo shared heartwarming stories from the DREEM project, demonstrating how digital training is empowering refugees in Kenya to start businesses and build brighter futures.
Breakout Sessions: Deepening the Dialogue
The breakout sessions provided opportunities to delve deeper into specific topics.
- Financing Women-Led Businesses: Participants explored the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and celebrated their resilience. The session highlighted the importance of dedicated funding streams, safe spaces for networking, and innovative solutions like fintech platforms to level the playing field.
- Climate Finance: This session emphasized the critical need for collaboration between Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) and investors. Panelists stressed the importance of building trust and long-term partnerships to unlock capital for SGBs working on climate solutions.
Scaling Climate Solutions with Data
Jui Joshi from the Climate Collective Foundation closed the Spark Talks with a hopeful vision for the future. She introduced Mosambi, a data-sharing platform that connects climate tech startups with investors. Jui’s optimism about the potential of startups, especially those from underrepresented regions, was truly inspiring.
Building Lasting Ecosystems of Support
Davis Albohm from Stanford Seed shared valuable lessons on creating sustainable alumni networks for entrepreneurs. He emphasized the importance of starting small, experimenting, and fostering self-leadership to build a thriving community.
Investing in Women-Led Rural Enterprises
This panel discussion highlighted the challenges and opportunities of empowering rural women entrepreneurs in Asia. Speakers shared success stories of cooperatives and blended finance models, as well as innovative tools like money-tracking apps, that are driving positive change.
Day 1: A resounding success!
The first day of the ANDE Annual Conference was filled with passion, innovation, and a shared commitment to creating a better world. It was a powerful reminder that when we come together with a common purpose, real change is possible. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the conference holds!