Publication database

This document is a collection of seven executive summaries from seven case studies from the Business Innovation Facility Portfolio. It provides an introduction to each inclusive business model and highlights the commercial and development results that are emerging. The report assesses the internal and external context of a company’s business model, the ‘nuts and bolts’ of how the model works, actual or likely commercial returns, emerging impacts on bottom of the pyramid beneficiaries, value added from BIF support, key success factors for scale and lessons relevant for other companies.

The report describes a series of sixteen case studies implemented by the boP Global Network learning labs (also known as innovation Centers) from around the world. The case studies have been organized around five specific areas of focus and action: I - Enhancing Product Design II - Value Chain Business Models III - Employment Generation IV - Improving Distribution Channels for the BoP V - Generating Access to Basic Needs (Energy, Health, Housing, Insurance).
 

This case study reviews the salaUno’s model, a Mexico City-based eye care centre whose vision is to create a for-profit eye care system that provides affordable and accessible care to all segments of the population. It provides information on the sector, and the business models success factors, pillars, challenges, and competitors.

After two decades of experience, VimoSEWA had serious concerns about rising costs and slow growth in its voluntary microinsurance scheme. So it began an ambitious programme of changes to its structure, culture, products, operations, and monitoring and evaluation. Microinsurance paper #25 reflects the tensions faced by an organization trying to be socially focused and financially viable, and demonstrates how a resilient attitude can spur resurgence.

Microcare originated out of a desire to find more effective ways to provide low-income communities with access to better quality healthcare. Pre-paid healthcare offered an opportunity to accumulate and channel resources so that poor people would get cashless access to healthcare services and service providers would benefit from better cash flows. Microinsurance Paper #24 examines the factors that contributed to the rise and fall of Microcare as a provider of low-cost health insurance. It seeks to draw lessons from Microcare’s experience that will further the development of a more successful business model for health microinsurance.

This case study showcases the Hapinoy business, which joined the Business Call to Action with a commitment to create an inclusive distribution network of independently operated convenience stores for over-the-counter medicines and healthcare related products in marginalised communities in the Philippines. It outlines the initiative's goals, how the business model works, the business and development impacts, and the key success factors.

This case study showcases Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI, which joined the Business Call to Action with the commitment to develop the capacity of at least 500 low-income artisans in Cambodia, Kenya and Kyrgyzstan; focusing on women from post-conflict and transitional societies. It outlines how the business model works, the business and development impacts to date, and the key success factors.

This case study showcases Solar Now and its commitment to scale up access to solar systems for more than 200,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2015. It outlines how the business model works, the business and development impacts to date, and the key success factors.

This case study showcases the US food company, SAMBAZON, which joined Business Call to Action with a commitment to train indigenous communities in the Amazon Estuary region on sustainable harvesting of the Açaí berry. It outlines how the business model works, the business and development impacts to date, and the key success factors.

This case study showcases global science-based company Royal DSM, which joined the Business Call to Action with the commitment to improve childhood nutrition and create employment opportunities in poor communities in Indonesia. It outlines how the business model works, the business and development impacts to date, and the key success factors.