by Inez Murray
"The majority of the world's people are barely subsisting on meager proceeds from their micro businesses. Whether they begin their day by separating a carton of soap into smaller portions to sell on the street for two rupees apiece, or by sewing school uniforms, few manage to break the cycle of poverty. They are looking for an immediate return from their work – enough money to eat, enough money for their families to survive.
This issue of Changemakers Journal spotlights how social entrepreneurs can find ways for these entrepreneurs to not only survive but to prosper by creating economic value. While the wearying work of small producers and traders may feed a family, it does not add value to the economy in which they live. Creating economic value, and creating it NOW – with the same urgency that these families need to survive – is the focus of this month's articles (right).
The majority of small entrepreneurs are crowded in the low-barrier-to-entry and low-value-added businesses such as food processing, street vending, tailoring and machine repair. Most of them live at, or below, the poverty line.
