• We Are a Nonprofit Coalition of Skillanthropists

The Business Council for Peace lifts international communities in need by advising local entrepreneurs on how to scale their business to create significant employment for all and expand the economic power of women. We believe: More jobs mean less violence®

WE LEVERAGE THE POWER OF SKILLANTHROPY

Sharing your skills makes a positive impact on the world

In challenged economies, the Business Council for Peace (Bpeace) reaches out to entrepreneurs running small and growing businesses. We connect them to business volunteers (Skillanthropists), who offer guidance geared to foster expansion.

Through long-distance mentoring or in-country visits, Bpeace Skillanthropists share their expertise in HR, finance, strategy, marketing and manufacturing, and provide technical advice for industries ranging from food processing to technology, to professional services.

Jobs reduce poverty and desperation

Together, we create growth and more jobs. The outcome is increased community capacity and stability--and a reduction in the poverty and desperation that so often seed violence.

  • fast runners

    MEET A TYPICAL BPEACE ENTREPRENEUR

    As a chef, Mariela Saravia (in white coat) had a dream to delight people with tasty food. After a few twists and turns in her career, she began producing artisan chips.

    Mariela asked Bpeace to find her a volunteer expert to review her production processes and identify opportunities to achieve improvements in costs, quality, delivery and waste reduction. We matched her with Isabel Echeverria, a San Francisco-based Six Sigma Black Belt and Scrum Master.

    Today, Mariela provides employment for 15 Guatemalans, mostly women. The multiplier effect of her branded sweet potato, taro, cassava, malanga and plantains chips extends to rural areas. Luachips is now a bridge between responsible farmers and Mariela’s customers seeking a delicious, natural and healthy gourmet snack.

As a chef, Mariela Saravia (in white coat) had a dream to delight people with tasty food. After a few twists and turns in her career, she began producing artisan chips.

Mariela asked Bpeace to find her a volunteer expert to review her production processes and identify opportunities to achieve improvements in costs, quality, delivery and waste reduction. We matched her with Isabel Echeverria, a San Francisco-based Six Sigma Black Belt and Scrum Master.

Today, Mariela provides employment for 15 Guatemalans, mostly women. The multiplier effect of her branded sweet potato, taro, cassava, malanga and plantains chips extends to rural areas. Luachips is now a bridge between responsible farmers and Mariela’s customers seeking a delicious, natural and healthy gourmet snack.

2017 Regions of Focus and Communities in Need

Lebanon

We entered Lebanon in 2018. The large influx of Syrian refugees has increased the Lebanese workforce by approximately 50% resulting in unemployment rates reaching 20% among Lebanese and refugees alike. With our focus on encouraging job creation, Bpeace is partnering with SPARK to mentor 20 female students who are attending college on scholarship in Lebanon. The goal is to increase their business acumen, and to demonstrate to them the role that women can play in the economic development of their communities.

Guatemala

The issues in Guatemala are complex and include gang violence, child malnutrition, poverty and social exclusion. Our portfolio is concentrated in the service industry, food processing, technology and manufacturing. 74% of the businesses are women-owned or led. Among businesses that have been guided by Bpeace volunteers for more than a year, average revenue growth is 12%.

El Salvador

Increasing jobs in El Salvador has proven to be a strong deterrent to the spread of gang violence. Among Salvadoran businesses advised by Bpeace volunteers for more than a year, average job growth is 31%. 70% of the 20 businesses we assist are women-owned or led. 82% of the portfolio is focused on three industries: food processing, technology and manufacturing.

The Shared Skills of Bpeace Volunteers
 create Sustainable Change

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Select Fast Runner Businesses

In our regions of focus, we identify business owners motivated to create jobs.

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Define Priority Needs for Growth

For each local business, Bpeace staff conducts a position analysis that includes a strategic framework and growth priorities.

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Match the Volunteer to the Challenge

We recruit volunteer experts with specific knowledge and skills, or U.S. Host Companies in targeted industries.

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Deliver Pro Bono Consulting and Mentoring

Volunteers engage with businesses as long-distance Virtual Mentors or as Traveling Mentors, and U.S. Host Companies share best practices.

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Generate Revenue and Job Growth

The intended outcome is more sustainable local businesses, generating increased community employment.

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Spark a Continual Multiplier Effect

Jobs boost family purchasing, which lifts other businesses, increases community prosperity and lessens violence.

Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times says:

Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times says:

Bpeace is one impressive force for change.

A HIGH ROI (RETURN ON YOUR INVOLVEMENT)

The Business Council for Peace has delivered:

in pro bono consulting by Bpeace Skillanthropists

long-distance Virtual Mentors

Traveling Mentors

U.S. Host Company visits

Creating sustainable impact:

local businesses strengthened

average job growth

average revenue growth

Salvadoran, Guatemalan and Afghan family members benefiting from jobs created

With current support from:

Argidius
US State Department
Pimco
GLG
McKinsey
PWC
CieloIT

Thunderbird for Good

ANDE

3D Consulting (Afghanistan)

Agexport (Guatemala)

Technoserve (El Salvador)

Fusades (El Salvador)

Cámara de Comercio e Industria de El Salvador

Voces Vitales (El Salvador)

  • Are you ready to share your skills, inspire and be inspired?

Learn more about the benefits of Skillanthropy

Learn more about Skillanthropists