Event examines entrepreneurial models based on social and economic change

Business beyond the usual is required to create new models of financial sustainability while benefiting society.

Two organizations whose social entrepreneurialism reaches across borders and continents to eliminate poverty, the Blessing Basket Project and SERRV International, will discuss their business models and operations at the next Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) Gilson Global Impact Event.

The event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 4, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Fluno Center, 601 University Ave. It is free and open to the public.

“Marketplace success now goes beyond just the bottom line,” according to Laura Heisler, director of programming for WARF. “Marrying the social and business side of entrepreneurialism helps solve societal problems and creates win-win solutions.”

Theresa Wilson, founder of The Blessing Basket Project will kick off the panel discussion by sharing her organization’s mission and presenting her unique financial model, Prosperity Wage. The Blessing Basket Project is helping lift thousands of artisans across six developing countries out of poverty and into sustainable financial independence.

Cheryl Musch, director of international development for SERRV International, will talk about her organization’s 60 years of experience promoting fair trade in markets that have grown to include 36 countries. She will discuss how sourcing products from artisans and farmers in developing countries — while paying wages well above local rates — profits buyers and sellers alike. She also will share the story and some samples of one of SERVV’s most popular suppliers, Divine Chocolate.

The presentation will be followed by a networking reception at 6 p.m. Complimentary parking is available by registering online at http://gilsonseries.org or by calling Devon Cournoyer at (608) 890-1621.