Most people know about the tremendous problems that exist in the developing world.

Sweat shops. Sex workers. Child labor. Environmental abuse.

Corporations are often blamed for doing much to contribute to this mess. On the flip side – companies are asked to solve it as part of their corporate social responsibility – driving funds to help specific problems.

What if instead, we created companies to address problems of poverty? What if there a way to stop asking for donations (stopping the cycle of poverty that exists in the non-profit world where you cater to donors and create a story that matches their giving interests), and respected the poor as consumers?

What would that kind of company look like? Can that company exist, make a profit and change the world all at one time?

In this session, we’ll map out who the world’s poorest are, what their needs are and look at a few companies working in this innovative space. Using the best of design thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship research and business model development – we’ll create a set of boundaries for discovering what companies are capable of in the unique environment that exists for the 65% of the world’s population living on less than $2,000 a year.

I hope you’ll join us and share your insights and optimism.

Location will be announced via e-mail to registered participants.