Working to break the cycle of poverty in some of the poorest parts of the world has been something many people are working to achieve. Andrew Tanswell and Adriaan Mol realized believe that just supplying aid wouldn’t solve the problem but providing a means for enterprise would.
These business minded individuals put together a product line that, with a small investment, 10% of the product price or $25, a village entrepreneur could sell the product or rent product usage to his local villagers.
According to this interview, the company calls itself Tough Stuff and says they are selling “Business in a Box,” which they indeed are doing. Inside the box of one popular choice is solar lighting kit consisting of an LED lamp and solar panel, which charges a battery to power it. The units rent for around 10 cents a day to villager who desire lighting other than more expensive candles or kerosene.
Everyone wins with this product, the local entrepreneur is able to earn an income while learning the basics of running a business. The local villagers, many who live off the grid, have access to clean inexpensive renewable solar power. These are the kit options provided at this time :
- Solar Panels
- LED Rechargeable Lamps
- Rechargeable Battery Packs
- Mobile Phone Connectors
- Radio Connectors
The product is modular, the entrepreneur decides which product(s) would be the best for there area. They can purchase them outright or Tough Stuff provides options for financial assistance with the purchase price.
