Shark Pond Contest
EntrAPov runs a contest called “Shark Pond.” Budding entrepreneurs from Ghana & Nigeria compete for startup funds to launch their businesses. Sponsor partners choose who they would like to support and a friendship blossoms as they work together on the business. Watch the video below to see how it works.
Entrepreneurs Against Poverty
Origin Story
A mid-life crisis forces you to face the meaning your life should embody by a certain age. For me that age will be 59 (when I hope to retire into a second “career” full of meaning). Many ideas crowded for attention:
How will I remake myself at 59?
- Travel? Yes, but not to resorts or on cruise ships…which won’t give meaning to life
- Start my own business? Yes, but not doing something I’m tied to 24X7X365
- Buy something expensive? That’s not my style. “The things you own will end up owning you.” – Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club
- Become a philanthropist? Maybe, but not if it involves heavy fund raising or settling on only one cause.
Q: Where do all these ideas intersect?
The answer is Entrepreneurs Against Poverty (EntrAPov). Regular people like you and I assist budding entrepreneurs in impoverished nations through micro-loans, encouragement, and friendship. EntrAPov provides business expertise combined with financial support to places where US dollars go a long way.
The EntrAPov “vision” became a reality in 2020 when 2 founders and 4 virtual interns helped Dalisey Brooks of Cape Town, South Africa launch her women’s sandal brand, Chipantha.
Dalisey’s smile radiates as she recounts that “even as a little girl who owned only 1 red dress and no shoes, I loved fashion.” She grew up in a small village in Malawi, Africa. Eventually she made her way to South Africa where she says, “despite my shyness, I worked in the retail industry to develop communication skills and self-esteem.” Eventually her work visa expired since the South African government is basically shut down during the pandemic. To make a very humble living Dalisey designs and sells quality sandals, accessories, and clothing. She works online from Cape Town beginning every morning at 4 am from a borrowed laptop.
She sources her materials from local African artisans who need help as much as she does. Dalisey says, “Having first-hand experience with poverty, I believe in serving and giving back to the community. Dalisey’s unique line of sandals and accessories use colorful fabrics, soft ropes, and leather available in South Africa.
That’s how I connected with a little African girl who once owned only 1 red dress and no shoes to help her start a fashion brand. Now Dalisey works as a successful virtual assistant for American companies. She also serves as EntrAPov’s Public Affairs Director, leading projects, reviewing business plans, writing articles, and providing financial analysis to entrepreneurs around the world.