Access to finance is frequently cited as the biggest obstacle to successful venture creation by those from poverty circumstances. Whether this is actually true, or if other factors perhaps can sometimes play a bigger role, there is no question that the funding available to most entrepreneurs in poverty conditions is grossly inadequate. This international panel explores the financial needs of low-income and disadvantaged entrepreneurs, alternative ways those needs are currently being addressed, and where the most significant gaps tend to lie. Key reasons for these gaps are discussed. Attention is devoted to identifying alternative sources of money and approaches to financing these ventures. New, innovative solutions are proposed.
Featuring our panel of experts:
- Ivan Light, PhD
Professor of Sociology Emeritus
UCLA, California, USA
-Ana Paula Matias Gama, PhD
Associate Professor with Aggregation
University of Beira Interior, Portugal
-Michael Hou
Senior Policy Associate, J-PAL Global
Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, MIT, USA
-Amon Simba, PhD
Associate Professor
Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom
Originally published at mckennacenter.nd.edu.