TechnoServe is a non-profit group that

Starting a business is never easy. But an organization like TechnoServe can make it easier. A businessman in the American state of Connecticut, Ed Bullard, launched this nonprofit group forty years ago. The name comes from the idea of technology in the service of mankind. (11) TechnoServe looks for business solutions to rural poverty. Or, as it says on its Website, " Social change has a business plan. " The group has helped create or improve more than 2,000 businesses in about 30 countries. Luba Vangelova works for TechnoServe in Washington, D. C. She tells us the group has an estimated budget this year of about 45 million dollars. She says much of that will support business training and development programs in Latin America, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. (12) One way it identifies promising entrepreneurs is through a business plan competition called Believe Begin Become. (13) This is an intensive program that provides technical training and expert advice. Winners receive money to bring their business plans to reality. TechnoServe has held nine national competitions in Central America since 2002. Five competitions have been held in Africa, including one in Tanzania last year.