While there are more and more businesses that help make the world a better place (think: TOMS Shoes), it is still difficult for entrepreneurs to get financial backing to start such projects.  Investors and ventures capitalists just don’t seem that interested.  And rightfully so; they assess a potential business in terms of profit and return on investment.  That is until the “The Unreasonable Institute,” which is now helping social entrepreneurs incubate, finance, and ultimately actualize their business plans to do good for people and the planet.   Some eco-focused proposals include Global Cycle Solutions (to use bicycle power to shell maiz), Light up Malawi (to make the country 100% dependent on clean energy) and Nuru (to provide kerosene-free lighting systems for the worlds poor).

How it works:

The Institute showcases the best of the original 284 applicants on-line at the  “Unreasonable Marketplace” where people like you and me can then vote with our dollars.  The winners attend a 10-week summer “incubator” in Boulder, Colorado where they gain the training, networking and funds necessary to implement their projects worldwide.

What you can do to get involved:

•    It’s a competition, so time is of the essence!!!  Check out all the projects and choose which you want to support. You only actually pay if the applicant wins.  (Think: Kiva meets Facebook meets Amazon).
•    Spread the word online about the entrepreneurs you’re excited about via Facebook, Twitter and/or your blog.
•    Learn more in detail about the institute’s philosophy, model and sustainability efforts at http://www.unreasonableinstitute.org/.
•    Get away from your computer and attend this Thursday’s “Social Enterprise Panel” at UCLA from 7:00 PM – 9:00PM

What’s the connection?

We learned about the “Unreasonable Institute” through our local web designer, Cesar Gonzalez, who has made it to the final round.  Cesar’s project, “MiCasa Ventures” will build low-cost, sustainable housing for the urban poor starting in Peru and eventually expanding to slums throughout the world.   You can support his venture here.