First Inaugural Impact Expo

First Inaugural Impact Expo took place on September 12th – 13th, 2012 at World Trade Centre Mumbai, focusing on the theme “Partnership for Purpose, Progress, and Prosperity”.  Impact Expo 2012  showcased the RISE principle and Idobro’s 4 P framework for business social action - Responsible Procurement – Inclusive Policies – Sustainable Partnerships – Eco-friendly Practices (RISE).

Mr. Sunil Mahajan, Additional Director of Industries - Government of Maharashrtra, inaugurated the Expo and spoke of the importance of support for microenterprise, particularly from industry.  Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman of World Trade Centre Mumbai and Chairman of the All India Association of Industries, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in the modern global economy.  

The core of the Expo was a tradeshow focused around women, social, and green enterprises.   Conclaves, roundtables, and focus group discussions also occurred throughout the two days of the conference.  The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), one of the partners for the event, released their study “Investment and Support Ecosystem for Social Enterprises”.  Vineet Rai, founder and CEO of Aavishkaar Venture Management Service, led the panel.  Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, Shop for Change, and USAID-funded Strengthening Health Outcomes through the Private Sector (SHOPS) hosted conclaves at Impact Expo as well. DFID and SIDBI Ventures also presented their programs.

Janet D’Souza, Director – Maulana Azad Economic Minorities Development Corporation and  Manfred Haebig, Director – Private Sector Development – GIZ, helped launch “Made 4 Impact”, Idobro’s 2012 version of its catalogue for impact, highlighting products from women, social, and green entrepreneurs as well as corporate CSR programmes.  

Mr. Venkat Rolla, Group CSR Head, RPG Group; Ms. Meeta Khare, Regional Manager – LIC; and Mr  Ravi Eppaturi, Chairman of the Computer Society of India did the honours of recognising Idobro members at the closing ceremony of the conference.  Ms. Karon Shaiva, Chief Impact Officer & MD of Idobro said, “Just as private public partnerships changed the way infrastructure projects were executed, so too market based solutions will drive development projects and through that overall sustainability of our world.”

Photos from the event are available on Idobro's Facebook page.  Additionally, click the following links to download a .pdf version of our photo collage from the event as well as of this press release.  

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