What We Do
Sustainability
Small and medium sized businesses contribute to 50% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. We are working hard to support these types of businesses to become more environmentally sustainable, particularly in emerging markets. We do this by influencing our network to take on the opportunity of transitioning faster. We also support work in emerging markets like Indonesia where we invested in the Good Return Impact Fund. Check out how our support is impacting lives as well as building a foundation for a sustainable future.
Entrepreneurship
We believe some of the best ideas come from entrepreneurs, especially those in places like Timor-Leste and the Pacific. We have a strong focus on local women entrepreneurs and business owners in these markets. One great example is Claudia from Vera Juice in Timor-Leste. She has developed a juice business while supporting local farmers help get their kids to school. She does this by buying the fruit from these farmers that would otherwise go to waste. We are supporting her with business coaching, mentoring and pathways to access capital. Check out her story!
Transition
We cannot do this work alone. We work in partnerships and networks to share knowledge and influence for the work we do. We work with Chambers of Commerce like the Confederation of Asia-Pacfic Chambers of Commerce, the ICC World Chambers Federation and the Asia Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN). Most importantly we build connections and confidence between the businesses we support. We bring commercially minded but impact oriented business people together to build belief. Belief that there is another way to do business. Belief that even in a place like Timor-Leste you can build a successful business while serving your community. One such person is Patty from Patty’s Chocolates who is building a successful business while helping those around her. Check out her story!
Engaging Australian Businesses with Timor-Leste
Our Founders Peter McMullin Am and Stuart Mkojera-Thomson met in Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste is one hour’s flight from Australia. On the United Nations Human Development Index Australia sits at number 10 but Timor-Leste is 155 out of a possible 193 countries. We engage our business networks not only to care about their communities but also those communities that are less privileged. The GBF recently invited one such business, Kick Academy to come to Timor and share the love of the beautiful game. Check out Coach Robbie as he visits Timor-Leste for the first time to hand out soccer balls and conduct coaching clinics.