Harnessing the Power of Business and Entrepreneurship for Community and Economic Development, Sustainability, and Social Wellbeing in New Hampshire and Beyond
Consistent with UNH’s goal to operate in deep engagement and partnership with community stakeholders, this Forum will be organized in collaboration with other New Hampshire organizations, colleges and universities.
Hosts and Organizing Partners
New Hampshire Community Loan Fund
Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics
Lead Supporting Partners
Yunus Creative Lab
Nobel Laureate and Social Business Leader Muhammad Yunus to Speak at Statewide New Hampshire Forum
Winners Announced!
Monday, September 30
10 am - 12:15 pm
Granite State Room, MUB
University of New Hampshire, Durham
Microfinance Pioneer Visits the Granite State
The University of New Hampshire will welcome Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate and pioneer of the microfinance industry, to campus this fall as the keynote speaker for the statewide New Hampshire Social Business and Microfinance Forum and the Social Business Innovation Challenge for New Hampshire college students and entrepreneurs.
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Muhammad Yunus has received the Nobel Peace Prize, the U. S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal for his work as a pioneer in the microfinance industry and the founder of Grameen Bank. (Learn more)
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The New Hampshire Social Business and Microfinance Forum and the finals of the Social Business Innovation Challenge will be held Monday, Sept. 30, 2013. The events are being hosted in partnership with the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund and organized by the Paul College of Business and Economics and the Carsey Institute, both at UNH. The events are part of the University of New Hampshire's statewide economic development and partnership efforts.
The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Yunus will give the keynote address at the New Hampshire Social Business and Microfinance Forum. Social businesses create innovative solutions to difficult problems such as poverty and climate change. Unlike traditional nonprofit organizations, social businesses aim to be market-based and to fund their operations and growth through earned revenues rather than donations. Social businesses harness the best of market-based approaches, but have a primary social, rather than financial, objective. Social business provides a necessary framework for tackling social issues by combining business know-how with the desire to improve quality of life.
Dr. Yunus will also present the awards at the Social Business Innovation Challenge which asks college students and entrepreneurs from across the state to find innovative, business-oriented solutions to pressing social and environmental issues at the state, national or global level.
“UNH has long been distinguished by its strong sense of responsibility for the well-being of our beautiful state, and a commitment to serving the public good. As one of America’s land-grant research universities, we aim to contribute to a vibrant economy in our state, while responding energetically and effectively to the new social and environmental challenges posed by the 21st century. Through many initiatives, UNH align its strengths with the needs of our state, our nation and our world,” UNH President Mark Huddleston said.