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Bill Clinton and Carlos Slim Launch $20 Million Investment Firm for Small Business in Colombia

"Bill Clinton and Carlos Slim Launch $20 Million Investment Firm for Small Business in Colombia

http://www.groundreport.com/World/Bill-Clinton-and-Carlos-Slim-Launch-...

by Ground Report April 20, 2009

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA -- Today, the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative (CGSGI), a project of the William J. Clinton Foundation, and the Carlos Slim Foundation announced the creation of an innovative $20 million investment fund in Colombia that creates a new source of financing for qualified micro and small businesses that are underserved by existing markets for financing.

In August 2008, CGSGI and the Slim Foundation announced their intention to tackle key health, education and economic challenges in Latin America. As part of that arrangement, the parties have worked collaboratively to design a fund that will address the barriers that numerous small businesses in Colombia face in financing their growth potential.

Today in Latin America, so many entrepreneurs lack the access to financing that could help them connect their talents and ambitions with their businesses and incomes,” President Clinton said. “I’m hopeful this new approach will address that challenge, and in the process, will help create many new jobs for people in Colombia and the region.”

The new fund will apply market-based analysis and, uniquely, will provide enterprises with capacity-building assistance to enhance their compliance with financial reporting, management accounting, and corporate governance standards. Investments will focus on firms that are committed to job creation in Colombia, and the firms that receive funding also likely will receive guidance on social and environmental responsibility.

"One of our main objectives is to create jobs that support small businesses. Along with CGSGI, the Slim Foundation focuses on providing support and resources to these businesses – to generate more opportunities of sustainable growth and the well-being of our societies. This initiative complements the social activity projects we’ve been carrying out in Latin America - in the countries, sectors, and markets in which we have the opportunity to participate in,” said Carlos Slim Domit of the Slim Foundation.

About the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative

The Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative is an innovative partnership between the William J. Clinton Foundation, the private sector, governments, local communities, and other NGOs to increase the scope, scale, impact, and sustainability of social and economic development efforts in areas where poverty is widespread. Established in June 2007 by President Bill Clinton and Frank Giustra, CGSGI focuses on alleviating poverty in the developing world through market-driven development that creates jobs and increases incomes, and by strengthening factors that enable economic growth such as health and education. CGSGI is an effort to transform the way businesses do business in the developing world, by creating opportunities and models for all industries seeking to work responsibly in those regions.

To learn more, visit www.clintonfoundation.org."

____________________________________________

"Colombia, our approach

Colombia, a diverse nation of about 45 million people and the fourth largest country in South America, has experienced sustained rates of economic growth over the last decade. The country possesses significant natural resources: it is a major producer of gold, silver, emeralds, platinum, and coal, and it also has substantial oil reserves. Still, despite advances in poverty reduction, nearly 18 percent of the population lives with less than $2 per day, and 7 percent with less than $1 per day. In Chocó, a rural region of about 440,000 people, nearly 80 percent of people live in poverty and many lack access to clean water, health care, improved sanitation, and other necessities. CGSGI’s projects address these challenges by providing more Colombians access to health services, education, and economic opportunities. These are long-term commitments that will continue to develop over the coming years. Specifically":

(more): http://www.clintonfoundation.org/what-we-do/clinton-giustra-sustainabl...

By sloopskipper on Oct 7, 2009, 05:17 in Friendly Talkzone.

kingfish5515 says on Oct 7, 2009, 05:37:

I cant agree with much of slick willies politics but can give credit when its due!! Good job Willie, thanks for helping the people of colombia!!! KF

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whitewidow says on Oct 7, 2009, 05:43:

jajajajajaja! $200 million would not have been enough. this is good PR and not much more. the $$ is hardly a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things.

clinton needs to stick with philandering and leave the philanthropy to the people who REALLY give a shit.

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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Pappassito (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 7, 2009, 06:15:

The major reason Slick Willie would be involved in Colombia is to take care of his little willie.. Carlos Slim ain't the world's richest dude for nothing.

"A wise monkey never monkeys with another monkey's monkey."

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 7, 2009, 06:17:

I'm sure that at $20mm, it's just a proof of concept. If the results are there, it can be scaled up by bringing other investors on board.

As I see it, you really can't be a critic of Bubba Bill unless you've personally done the same or better in charity work.

"this may seem a strange post but it is not...when in colombia men need to be aware that colombia women may try to be seductive and entice a travelling gringo to have sex with them..to be forewarned is to be forearmed..." -- pow wow

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miamimike says on Oct 7, 2009, 06:32:

Well its a damn side more then my Avatraic Icon has done for Colombia,,,LOL

Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte después Bésame, bésame mucho Como si fuera esta noche La última vez Bésame, bésame mucho Que tengo miedo a perderte Perderte de

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whitewidow says on Oct 7, 2009, 06:33:

hmmmmm, well, considering the ratio of wealth to donation factor, i have those philanderers....... er, uh, philanthropists beat hands down....... and in colombia to boot.

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 7, 2009, 08:02:

Clinton sucks......

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 7, 2009, 08:11:

To me it seems obvious. Seed capital is needed to start the program from nothing, find the human resources, see how the pieces fall into place, determine what results the loans policy gives you, discover any issues along the way.

Once you see it working and iron out the kinks, then you broadcast your results, pass the hat around and add more money.

Successful programs scale up, programs with no value disappear. Survival of the fittest and most useful.

That's why someone properly qualified is running the program, not the PBH peanut gallery.

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whitewidow says on Oct 7, 2009, 08:16:

"That's why someone properly qualified is running the program, not the PBH peanut gallery"

- i highly doubt that. however, i am a big fan of micro-loans and the user industry that has sprung up because of it. i mean, i could start up a lemonade stand with $20-30 buck too, but it would make more sense to pledge some real capital if you want real results. $20 million is hardly a commitment from those guys.

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 7, 2009, 08:21:

To me it seems about right as a figure to commit up front. You have to be prepared to shut the thing down and write off the $20 million if it doesn't work.

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whitewidow says on Oct 7, 2009, 08:30:

i have $30 dollars for you, pedro. just let me know when you decide to roll out the killer app ;)

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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ferran says on Oct 7, 2009, 08:45:

Is this micro-loans same as micro-beers?
All these micro-breweries open upin the 80s and 90s now they are all closed.
Whats Willie really brewing in Colombia besides technically not dunking his wilee and not inhaling? time will tell when a new Monica Colombinsky surfaces.

All truth goes through three phases. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self evident.

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Haddeman says on Oct 7, 2009, 09:11:

Micro loans is an interesting concept.Originally concieved in Bangladesh by a Mr Mohammed,who won the Nobel prize for economics for the idea,the jury is still out on the effectiveness of the system.
One argument against is that only those with the entrepreneurial flair apply and make a success of the loans whilst the vast majority would just spend it on rum or whatever.My experience of the third world,South Asia ,Africa and Latin America seems to bear that theory out,in other words those in whom the CAPATALIST spirit is alive and well create jobs and prosperity for others.Yours views are welcome as always Don Ferran.

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Pappassito (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 7, 2009, 09:11:

Maybe that is the case in the states, but check out Bogota Beer Company... Every one is full as a tick every night. Tell those Colombianas to get their blue dresses ready.

"A wise monkey never monkeys with another monkey's monkey."

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 7, 2009, 09:41:

Thanks WW. I already wrote a couple of weeks back about my new killer idea.

It's called "Say hello to my little fren". Dot com. PBHers who can't stop threatening each other can go to my website, fill out a webform, upload a photo of the target, then we contract the hit.

We charge the customer's credit card, then Jhon Fredy gets a cut and my website gets a cut.

With your 30 bucks, we could just about get this started (and maybe reduce unemployment by reducing the living, breathing population in Colombia bit by bit).

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 7, 2009, 09:43:

It's either that, or I try and muscle in on Azunoman's turf and take control of the street corner chicles market.

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whitewidow says on Oct 7, 2009, 10:02:

hmmmmmmm

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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sloopskipper says on Oct 7, 2009, 10:10:

Microbreweries/Brew Pubs seem to be alive and well, as I count 140 in Pennsylvania alone, including Appalachian Brewing Co in Harrisburg and two other locations (owned and operated by a former colleague).

http://www.brewpubzone.com/States/Pennsylvania.html

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 7, 2009, 12:25:

in Medellin are now 2 microbreweries.

Who wants to put a business in Cali? We are still looking for somebody who is able to run his own business.

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BUSHWICK-BILL says on Oct 7, 2009, 12:34:

makopp
what kind of business? please give more information...

CARDIFF SOUL CREW.......

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sloopskipper says on Oct 7, 2009, 14:58:

makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 7, 2009, 12:25 (today): flag

"in Medellin are now 2 microbreweries."

We even have, at least, one brew pub in Panama City.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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sloopskipper says on Oct 7, 2009, 15:02:

makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 7, 2009, 12:25 (today): flag

"in Medellin are now 2 microbreweries.

Who wants to put a business in Cali? We are still looking for somebody who is able to run his own business."

I'd like to know more also. Maybe a PM?

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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RAAAY says on Oct 7, 2009, 15:30:

Just a few snippets about Clinton.

" William J. Clinton Foundation.
Mr. Clinton assembled an operation with 1,400 paid employees and volunteers working in 40 countries to fight disease, poverty and climate change. The foundation has made a place for itself as a generator of new ways of tackling old problems.

He recently agreed to serve as the United Nations special envoy to Haiti.

" His administration was characterized by sustained prosperity, a budget surplus, free trade internationally," That fookin quote is from Conservapedia.

The Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI) strives to make treatment for HIV/AIDS more affordable and to implement large-scale integrated care, treatment, and prevention programs. Since its inception, CHAI has helped bring AIDS care and treatment to over 750,000 people living with HIV/AIDS around the world. Its activities have included AIDS care and treatment in Africa, including the brokering of drug distribution agreements.

.

Clinton left office with an approval rating at 66%, the highest end of office rating of any president since World War II.

.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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RAAAY says on Oct 7, 2009, 15:31:

Clinton Global Initiative (CGI)
The Clinton Global Initiative was inaugurated September 15-17, 2005 in New York City to coincide with the 2005 World Summit, under the leadership of former President Bill Clinton.

CGI is stated as being a non-partisan catalyst for action, bringing together global leaders including heads of state, non-profit organizations, charities, and business leaders to discuss challenges facing the world today and devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The initiative culminates in an annual conference, at which each invited guest must make a specific commitment to address one of the focus areas discussed. CGI staff then monitors the progress and success of these commitments throughout the year.

Clinton himself has stated that the 2005 conference saw US$2.3 billion in commitments to donations, and that by the conclusion of the 2006 event, over US$7.3 billion was committed,[2] including British entrepreneur Richard Branson's pledge to donate the profits of Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Trains, two of his Virgin Group's companies, over the next ten years to research environmentally friendly fuels. The donation is estimated to be worth US$3 billion.[3] In the conference's first announcement, First Lady Laura Bush announced a public-private partnership with the Case Foundation and others to install 4,000 Roundabout PlayPumps to bring water to up to 10 million people in Africa.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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sloopskipper says on Oct 7, 2009, 15:34:

Photobucket

Bravo, RAAAY!

And don't forget the surplus he left, that his successor quickly pissed away.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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dwmte7 says on Oct 8, 2009, 06:13:

well with all the naysayers down speaking mr. clinton. i don't see anyone up to the plate doing anything remotely akin to him.

20 million aint shit, you say? you got twenty million? i don't. and for seed money, that's a sizable starter.

onward to reality. i don't know how many trillions of dollars in world aid to problems around the world is going to be spent before the donar countries and individuals/foundations, etc place the funding in the hands of THEIR OWN comptroller and dole out the funds directly. start the list with any country which has received aid funds and to a country, the funds are stolen and rifled off to swiss accounts and lavish living on the part of the heads of these governments AND COLOMBIA IS WAY UP THERE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST.

there's an old saying about when aid funds are given to colombia. by the following day, half of the funds are back in miami. unfortunately, the truth isn't as funny as the phrase. if and whenever we, other countries/foundations etc donate funding to projects in countries...they should do so with the funds COMPLETELY under their control (the doners). if the ricipient countries don't like it...FUCK THEM. if they protest...DOUBLE FUCK THEM, withdraw the funds.

just in the last couple of weeks the u.s. has discovered that 90plus % of all military funding given pakistan has been siphoned off and basically nothing has reached the troop level to where it was destined. and pakistan is no exception. from israel to darfur, from somalia to colombia, from indonesia to south africa, the theft of aid funds is the order of the day and if we really want bang for our buck, we needs control those funds. it's just absolute stupidity to hand over billions of dollars to leaders of suffering nations who can't even focus on the mouths in need in their own countries. nor, do they even give a shit.
dougla

patriarch

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 8, 2009, 08:01:

bushwick
www.tga.com.co
we want somebody who creat his own business and sells our products for printshops in Cali.

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