Community Development:

Recognizing the need for improving the skills and knowledge of small enterprises (particularly those in natural resource using sectors) is important for the long term economic and environmental sustainability, CCIF works directly with community stakeholders to increase sustainable economic opportunities for entrepreneurs, businesses, and cooperatives/associations. Specifically, we assist partners with:

 

  • Business skills training and mentoring.
  • Sustainable enterprise feasibility analysis and business plan design.
  • Designing microfinance mechanisms and partnerships.

 

A list of CCIF projects in our Community Development practice area is provided below:

 

Small-Medium Enterprise Business Training Program, Indonesia and the Philippines. (2005). CCIF developed business training and mentoring program for coastal community Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in support of the International Finance Corporation - Program for Eastern Indonesia Small-Medium Enterprise Assistance (PENSA). PENSA’s objectives included increasing access to finance; improving business performance; and strengthening the enabling environment for business. In addition, we hosted numerous seminars and training of trainers for this program on behalf of PENSA.

 

The Marine Aquarium Market Transformation Initiative (MAMTI), Indonesia and the Philippines (2004-2007). CCIF collaborated with MAC and Reef Check as part of the Marine Aquarium Market Transformation Initiative. CCIF provided the required intervention to ensure that the marine ornamental fish collectors and traders have the business skills and financial resources needed to participate in a sustainable trade, focusing in four key issues: 1. business capacity & financial needs analysis; 2. business training; 3. business mentoring; and 4. developing micro finance (MF) solutions and partnerships.

 

Economic Alternatives for the Togean Islands, Sulawesi, Indonesia. (2003 -2004). On behalf of Conservation International, CCIF assessed and determined the best economic development opportunities for the two priority areas chosen, Kabalutan and Kilat Bay. CCIF assessed four proposed economic alternative activities: 1) the live reef food fish trade; 2) pelagic fishing; 3) mariculture; and, 4) community-based tourism. In addition, we assessed the necessary micro-financing options required for and available to each specific recommendation.

Conservation and Community Investment Forum * 423 Washington Street, 5th Floor * San Francisco, CA 94111 * ph: (415) 421-4213 * fax: (415) 982-7989