Investors Without Borders

A grassroots “crowd funding” service connecting small-scale, individual lenders with opportunities to lend directly to SMEs in developing countries. Through a web-based, community building platform and on-the-ground networks of Approved Partner Organizations, individuals can invest in growth-oriented companies that have been pre-screened for their triple bottom line value. SMEs can access affordable debt and expand their networks abroad.

IWB serves both socially responsible investors and the "missing middle" in developing markets - growth-oriented SMES that are too big for microfinance, but too risky for traditional financial institutions.

IWB creates Lending & Support Networks comprised of existing SME-focused organizations. Networks have loan management & technical assistance expertise. The Ghana Pilot Network has 5 partners. Capital is sourced via a web-based platform that "bundles" funds from individuals in $50 USD units. IWB manages the lending platform, lender outreach, & fund transfers. The Network manages application, screening, and monitoring, using IWB tools & processes.

Lenders are reached mainly through online channels, including the IWB community platform & partner websites. Viral marketing & referral incentives will leverage tools like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, & Google Maps. Offline sales will be directed towards Diaspora groups. IWB's Partner Network is the main pipeline & contact point for SMEs, along with training programs & SMS applications. Partners & SMEs can manage information on the IWB platform.

Target market is SMEs in developing markets, beginning with Ghana, & socially-conscious individuals anywhere in the world. SMEs are export/growth-oriented, operational for 2+ years, 3-25 employees, needing $15,000-250,000 USD for pre-export, working capital, or expansion. Socially-conscious consumers want "triple bottom line" targets for their investments, savings, or disposable income–projects with a positive impact on people, planet, & profit.

Commercial banking in the pilot market-Ghana-has been expanding and has begun to establish specialized SME departments & aggressive marketing campaigns. However, SMEs remain beset by cost-prohibitive interest rates, high collateral requirements, and a lack of long-term options. On the lender-side, IWB is competing with web-based services for transparent donations or "impact investments", as well as offline SRI and charitable options.

Focus on growth-oriented SMEs that can build economies and provide competitive returns. Sourcing "patient capital" from the “long tail” of impact investors, allowing for lower interest rates & better terms.

Enhanced access to appropriate financing is made available to SMEs in a profitable model. This is achieved by creating a value chain where "patient capital" can be linked to organizations that know SMEs, but may not have the capital nor the licenses to provide financing, which in turn are linked to existing financial institutions that provide the regulatory infrastructure for financing agreements, without assuming the risk.

IWB has an ongoing commitment to identifying potential in-country partners in both the pilot market, Ghana, as well as in other developing markets, beginning with Africa. This will facilitate both in-country penetration as well as regional expansion. Additionally, IWB focuses on developing the potential and capacity of each local partner, enabling continued sales growth, returning customers, and improved service provision within each country.

Tricia, MD & founder-2 years with SSA SMEs & financial institutions-Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya & Ethiopia; MBA The George Washington University; Summa cum laude Psychology, Math Minor-The University of Pittsburgh. Finance Director, Randy-18 years in Canadian banking-SME focus; Angel Investing & microfinance consulting; MBA Dalhousie University. Marketing Director, Kit-25 years marketing/PR in tech industry; founded successful consulting firm.

Tricia combines strong market knowledge & connections with a passion for social entrepreneurship, business acumen, and a track-record of leadership & innovation. Randy blends deep traditional banking experience with a zeal for microfinance, innovation and social impact. Kit is a seasoned entrepreneur, running a PR consultancy since 1999, who continues to seek challenge, returning to graduate school & volunteering in Africa.

Tricia has been leading the development of the business for 2 years. For the past 1.5 years it has been her FT job and primary commitment. Tricia will continue this level of commitment up to and after launch.

Expansion of the SME sector in developing economies is widely recognized as integral to the achievement of country-wide economic development and sustainable GDP growth. IWB will facilitate the growth of this important market sector, allowing for the needed expansion and stability of companies, which in turn will effect increased employment opportunities, productive output, export-competitiveness, and the reduction of poverty & income inequality.