Our founders were confident that applying U.S. business practices in developing-country environments would be an effective way to alleviate poverty, create stability and spread good will. From those beginnings, that idea has evolved, deepened, diversified and prospered. Today, we concentrate on helping businesses become more competitive - from implementing interventions that affect national policy to coordinating industry-wide workshops and training at the firm level. We explore ways to penetrate global markets, enhance quality, increase sales, attract investment, apply new technologies and create jobs. We often work through and with business support organizations (such as chambers of commerce and trade organizations). At the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise level, you’ll find us on the ground, consulting and training in business areas such as planning, operations, finance and marketing — all along the value chain that brings a product or service from the idea stage to final sale. We’ve helped governments and private organizations work together on activities leading to membership in the World Trade Organization.
One example is our Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA+) program in Ethiopia for USAID. Through it, we help build capacity and support entities so Ethiopia’s businesses can take advantage of their trade opportunities. Because of our work, mechanisms now in place include a chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce and an outreach investment initiative aimed at the Ethiopian Diaspora.
Examples of Our Work