Twinning as an effective strategy to graduate NGOs into successful enterprises

In 2002, the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan’s Livelihoods and Economic Development Programme (INBAR/LEDP) and Indian partner Centre for Indian Bamboo Resource & Technology (CIBART) established the Konkan Bamboo and Cane Development Centre (KONBAC). This non-profit organisation is dedicated to generating livelihood opportunities for rural artisans and farmers through the creation of eco-friendly bamboo products. KONBAC developed a business ecosystem that helped production units attract, source and fulfil orders. As demand and volumes increased, cash became a serious constraint upon growth despite considerable potentials.

To address cash constraints, INBAR/LEDP decided to set up inclusive social enterprises “twinned” with existing daughter/partner NGOs under the banner ‘NATIVE’. Both would work in tandem to increase return and develop sustainably while addressing the triple bottom line of “People” and “Planet” through “Profit”. In Konkan, INBAR helped KONBAC establish a sister for-profit company, NATIVE KONBAC Bamboo Products (NK) in 2009. KONBAC employees and the communities involved with the NGO became enterprise owners...read more