Craft Network Connects International Artisans with Customers

A new breed of business owners labeling themselves as ‘Social Entrepreneurs’ combine business practices and product development to try and find solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing people in third world countries.  Now 30,000 strong and growing, B Lab, a nonprofit organization that certifies the business practices of these purpose driven companies last year accounted for $40 billion in revenue.  The movement has caught the attention of many venture capitalists including the Acumen Fund, a nonprofit organization investing in companies that strive to alleviate poverty in poor countries and The Bay Area Equity Fund, which backs businesses who aim to make social or environmental improvements to needier neighborhoods in San Fransisco.

What is CraftNetwork?

One such company, CraftNetwork, was founded in 2007 by Christopher Benza in order to connect artists in developing nations with wholesalers and retailers in wealthy nations.  By employing local artisans in underdeveloped communities under a unified brand, CraftNetwork assures they produce quality products and meet market demands.  The 26-employee company has exported products from over 1,355 artisans in 124 villages in three countries to date totaling over $419,000 in 2008 alone.

How Does CraftNetwork Help Artisans

CraftNetwork’s artists maintain freedom and integrity by setting prices and crafting products they feel best represent their talent.  Artists advertise items on the network and other company mediums at no charge and are also not financially obligated when merchandise is damaged or returned by a customer.  CraftNetwork assumes responsibility for all products once the items are received. The care and welfare of the artists is the main focus of CraftNetwork and 100% customer satisfaction is guaranteed.

Excellent Business Operations

CraftNetwork provides export facilitation and product development services for its artisans to increase sales, strengthen ethical trading practices, build employment opportunities and raise and improve the standard of living of the artisans.  CraftNetwork as a company is known for having a strong social mission and is committed to providing worthwhile and lasting employment for disadvantaged artists.  Through CraftNetwork’s online e-commerce platform the artists individual backgrounds and cultures are represented through handcrafted products that are imported from around the world. Through improved effeciency and the volume of products they sell CraftNetwork is able to provide extraordinary quality products at competitive prices.

Support and Financing for CraftNetwork

CraftNetwork is supported by the International Finance Corporation’s Grassroots Business Initiative (GBI).  The IFC’s Grassroots Business Initiative supports businesses that create “sustainable economic opportunities for the poor and marginalized”.  Grassroots Business Organizations are socially-driven ventures that empower and engage those at the “base of the pyramid” as entrepreneurs, suppliers, consumers and employees.  GBI aims to have a catalytic impact in this emerging sector of entrepreneurship by building partnerships with like-minded groups and leveraging its position within the World Bank Group to aid business ventures just like Craft Network. Sir Austin wants to encourage all his readers to help CraftNetwork help it’s Artisans by purchasing something on their website!

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