Companies interested in applying to the Corporate Leaders Program for Success in Majority Markets may participate in a workshop where executives will learn about launching or expanding activities in BOP markets. Avoiding the usual lecture format, this workshop will have a very practical focus on helping participants generate ideas for how their companies can sell to BOP consumers or reduce costs by working with BOP businesses or employees. It will also provide opportunities for participants to network with each other and seek advice from IDB and Dalberg experts. The workshop will be held Monday, July 19 in Miami on a first come first served basis, and participation is free of charge. Workshop attendance is not a prerequisite for applying to the Corporate Leaders Program. Click here to fill out a registration form.

 

Application forms (in English and in Spanish) and supplementary materials are available at majoritymarkets.org/corporateleaders.  Through the application, companies will describe their proposed business models and demonstrate that they have the necessary resources and commitment to execute them. A judging panel will choose up to ten proposals, which will be invited to become part of the Corporate Leaders Program. There is no fee associated with the application. The deadline for returning completed applications is Monday, August 16 at 6 pm EST. Participants in the Corporate Leaders Program will be selected by the end of September. 

 

After a competitive selection process, the companies in the Corporate Leaders Program will receive an intensive mentoring and technical assistance support package provided by IDB and Dalberg to help fast-track their BOP business models with the objective to translate them into operations plans, ready for financing and implementation. The program is limited to no more than 10 companies and participants will be selected

based on the idea’s potential impact, viability of the business model presented, and level of corporate commitment.

 

Companies will be able to draw upon Dalberg’s and IDB’s expertise to overcome know-how and other challenges typically associated with BOP project preparation. Each participating company will be able to design an individualized plan for how it will use up to 15 days of consulting support from Dalberg. Participants may also be able to promote their projects at events and through media opportunities.

 

For cost-sharing purposes and as evidence of their commitment to take their projects forward, companies will be expected to contribute US$15,000 toward the cost of their participation in the Corporate Leaders Program (an estimated total value of at least US$50,000).

 

The IDB can provide medium- and long-term loans and partial credit guarantees to private sector companies to help finance majority market projects. The Bank can also leverage grant resources to facilitate needed transfer of know-how and for the design of new business models. The Corporate Leaders Program for Success in Majority Markets is designed to prepare companies to apply for such financing from IDB should they wish to do so on completion of the program. However, this is not a pre-condition: companies can take part in the program without having to become IDB clients later on. Equally, participation in the program does not guarantee that a company’s application for IDB financing will be approved.