From 2008-2011, GBF invested using its not-for-profit, GBP. One of the companies GBP supported is Gone Rural. Based in Swaziland, the company supplies raw materials, training and markets for female artisans, thus providing them with substantial additional income from craft production.
PORTFOLIO COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
PWANI FEEDS
Pwani Feeds is a Kenyan-female-founded and family-operated company, which markets animal feeds and purchases eggs at a single transaction point from over thousands of farmers, saving farmers time and money on transportation and other marketing costs.
OUR WORK:
GBF’s investment enabled the company to acquire high-quality raw materials and upgrade its fleets of trucks. GBF advisory services streamlined the company’s financial management practices, optimized operational efficiencies, and diversified business strategy leading to entrance of a main stream financier and an early exit for GBF.
IMPACT:
GONE RURAL
One of the companies GBP supported is Gone Rural. Based in Swaziland, the company supplies raw materials, training and markets for female artisans, thus providing them with substantial additional income from craft production.
OUR WORK:
GBP’s advisory services worked closely for an extended period of time with Gone Rural’s management to develop financial forecasting tools, which allowed them to match its capital structure to its operational and financial needs.
IMPACT:
The female artisans directly earn 30%-60% of the sale price of any artisanal goods, which is quite high by international norms. Additionally, the artisans’ relationship with Gone Rural provides access to training and HIV awareness workshops.