They have arrived. Our twelve finalists for World Challenge 2009 are a mix of projects involved in countering socio-economic and environmental issues. From helping to reduce deforestation to providing educational initiatives to women scarred by conflicts - these projects are not only helping to change lives at a grass roots level, but are also changing approaches to business development.
Please keep visiting the site for details on how to vote and learn more about our finalists over the coming months. Voting commences on 28th September 2009 and closes on 13th November 2009.
Now in its fifth year, World Challenge 09 is a global competition aimed at finding projects or small businesses from around the world that have shown enterprise and innovation at a grass roots level. World Challenge 09 is brought to you by BBC World News and Newsweek, in association with Shell, and is about championing and rewarding projects and business which really make a difference.
Plan Bee
Plan Bee won the World Challenge 08. The Pakistani project helps female beekeepers boost their income by selling high quality honey. The northern areas of Pakistan are among the poorest and most isolated regions in the country. Effective development assistance has yet to reach these hilly, remote areas and it is the women and children who are most affected. The only workable and sustainable solution is to capitalise on local resources, building on what is achievable as well as culturally acceptable.
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rules
Projects/small business that show initiative, the innovative use of technology or an invention.
Projects/Small business that increase investment into the local community.
Projects/Small business that take a responsible approach to the environment in which they are operating.
