Amsterdam, November 29th 2007

Over 2000 entrepreneurs from 144 countries participated in this business plan competition for profit and poverty reduction in developing countries. After two qualification rounds, 38 plans of ambitious entrepreneurs remained. They will compete to win in a stunning finale on December 4th. The nominees can win up to 20.000 euro in prize money and will be able to accomplish their dream: setting up or expanding their own business in a developing country.

We are happy to invite you to join the Grand Final on December 4th at the Angel Studios, Minervahaven 6 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

The BiD Challenge challenges entrepreneurs from all over the world to develop and implement innovative business plans with growth potential. In this way, the competition aims to contribute to economic growth and employment in developing countries. Since 2005, the BiD Challenge supported the start-up of over 60 businesses and the creation of more than 1000 jobs in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Worldwide over 800 professionals were engaged in the competition as screener, coach or jury member. The BiD Challenge is supported by over 50 companies, such as the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Dutch organisations ICCO and NCDO as its main partners.

On November 29th, a jury of respected Dutch professionals, such as mr. Thijs van Praag, Director PUM, mr. Jort Bakker, CFO ASN Bank and Lianne Houben, Senior Policy Officer of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will conduct the final jury interviews. Based on these interviews the jury will select the winners of the BiD Challenge 2007.

After the Awards Ceremony an International Marketplace will take place. The goal of the Marketplace is to enable entrepreneurs to find investors and network for their future businesses. Professional matchmakers will make sure people are matched according to their needs and interests. Based on the popular BBC TV series Dragons Den, all finalists will present Elevator Pitches of their business plan to a panel of investors. Among those present in the investor panel will be mr. Ronald Plompen, of the Dutch Radio programme ‘The Elevator Pitch” on Business News Radio and mr. Sander Smits, who represents SOVEC Investment Fund.

The Program:

12.00 – 13.00 hours Registration with coffee and tea

13.00 – 14.00 hours Awards Ceremony BiD Challenge 2007, presentation of the finalists and interviews with former winners of the competition

14.30 – 17.00 hours Marketplace and Elevator Pitches

17.00 – 18.30 hours Music and Drinks

You are invited to join this exciting event. Please inform us about your presence by sending an email to Susanne Reuling of the BiD Network Foundation, susanne.reuling@bidnetwork.org or call +31 20 755 50 00.

For more information on the event and the BiD Challenge check www.bidnetwork.org/pressroom

On behalf of the BiD Network Foundation, initiator of the BiD Challenge, am looking forward to see you on December 4th!

Yours Sincerely,

Susanne Reuling

BiD Network Foundation