Location: Bull & Bear
Date: Thursday, January 17, 2013; 6:00-9:00 pm
I was forwarded a link to this
event, and decided to take a night off from Chicago Cares and check it
out. It was essentially a ticketed
networking event, with proceeds benefiting a Chicago-based nonprofit called SparkVentures. I am not very comfortable at
casual networking events, but thought it would be a good avenue to learn more
about Spark Venture’s cause.
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I arrived at Bull & Bear,
which is one of Chicago’s premiere Sports bars a little before 6 pm. I got the impression that our networking
session was not something they were too keen on, since they asked me to stand
aside and out of the way of paying customers.
I checked in again at 6 and they said I could go ahead and find other
members wearing a similar wristband. It
was then that I realized that this was not going to be any sort of organized
evening, but a session to mingle and network.
I was already regretting my decision to attend.
I spotted some girls at a booth
with poster boards for Spark Ventures and decided to go and talk with
them. I started talking with Stephanie,
who was the leader of the group, and after seeing that I was not going to go
away without getting full information, she went into details about what they do. They work with
organizations in developing countries to serve children. Their's is a partnership with these grassroots
organizations where they provide not only financial capital, but also strategic
guidance and human resources. The idea
is to develop businesses that are sustainable and income generating. The benefits are reaped by children and the
communities they are in. Their first
such partnership is in Zambia, with Hope Ministries. In 2011, Spark made $100,000 lead investment
in a commercial poultry farm which is now generating revenues to help children
over there. After the successful
implementation of this program, they are now embarking on a similar partnership
in Nicaragua. I asked Stephanie about
volunteering opportunities and she said that most help is needed to trips to
visit the partners on site and work in the community over there. This was something I was unable to
participate in at present, though I did sign up to be considered for their Jr.
Board membership.
Seeing that I had taken up enough
of Stephanie’s time, I drifted away to ‘mingle’ the best I could. While it is rare for me to engage strangers
in conversations, I did meet two professionals who worked in companies
supporting chemical research and development.
I mentioned that I had interacted with their organizations back in
graduate school and we chatted for the next 30 minutes. I noticed Stephanie standing by herself and
went over to continue the conversation.
I asked about her background and she said that prior to Spark Ventures,
she was working in a company that provided Microloans, a concept that I was not
familiar with. I learned that microloan
is a small amount of money that is offered to individuals or groups in
developing country to start or build a business. Usually three figures, this sum could go a
long way in helping them. I asked
Stephanie if the interest rate was low and she said on the contrary these had
more stringent interest rates and payment schedule. I was surprised at this, but she said that the
thought was to get people educated on what it meant to borrow credit for a
business. This was not meant to be a
charity, but a true loan. This would
force the people borrowing the money to be more fiscally responsible and truly
think about a sustainable business. It
was really fascinating to hear about this and I told her so.
We continued our discussion
around Spark Ventures and I asked her about their ‘Spark Stakeholders’ program, which is a monthly giving program to
fund a child and provide for their nutrition, education and healthcare. Depending on the level of sponsorship,
starting at $10/month, up to $50/month, one could provide regular meals, primary
school education and medical check-ups to children. I have seen programs such as these before and
have often contemplated participating.
However, unlike a one-time contribution, this involves recurring
payments and I often wonder what would happen to a child if I stopped
participating due to circumstances.
Is there not a Chinese saying about you being responsible for a life once
you save it? And I knew I would feel terrible were I to be forced to abandon someone. I mentioned about this dilemma
to Stephanie and while she agreed with what I was saying, she mentioned that even one month’s
contribution would make a difference and even if I were to stop, the child
would not be abandoned; they would just find another sponsor.
I thanked Stephanie once again
and seeing that I was unlikely to network more that evening, moved to the
exit. As I put on my coat, once again I saw
Stephanie back at the booth and went to wish her on her upcoming trip to
Zambia. As a final question I asked why
someone should support children in a developing country when there is enough
hunger over here, at home. I mentioned
how I see this every day with Chicago Cares and she agreed that we have work to
do over here. The difference is that there
are organizations that are doing it in the US.
Someone has to have a global view and Spark Ventures is that company. I had learned a lot about them
and their cause and Stephanie was indeed a great promoter.
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