Microfinance has certainly come along way since its inception and Akhun is one example of that. Microfinance (or microcredit/microloans) are typically thought of as having been founded in the 190s by Muhammad Yunus, the founder of the Grameen Bank, which focuses its impact on rural Bangladeshi women. But since then, there has been a variety of copycats and also, very necessarily, a lot of criticism of microfinance as an institution.
Akhun is a website and blog that connects microfinance, enterprises and artisans in a fresh and creative way. It's got a Tumblr generation, if you will, feel, making it marketable to a younger crowd that may not be as familiar with microfinance as such. The blog has a series of posts including ones that profile local New York City-based entrepreneurs that have used microfinance with their ethically made artisan products.
Contact Information
Akhun website
Akhun on Facebook
Akhun on Twitter
Akhun on YouTube
Crafty Microfinance Blogs
Ahkun Takes a Different Approach with Local Artisans
Trend Themes
1. Creative Microfinance Platforms - Akhun's fresh and creative approach to connecting microfinance, enterprises, and artisans presents opportunities for the development of new platforms that appeal to a younger demographic.
2. Ethical Artisan Products - Akhun's focus on profiling local entrepreneurs who have used microfinance to create ethically made artisan products highlights the potential for disruptive innovation in the ethical consumer goods industry.
3. Market Education on Microfinance - Akhun's Tumblr-like feel and marketability to a younger crowd provides an opportunity to educate and engage a new generation about the concept and potential impact of microfinance.
Industry Implications
1. Fintech - Akhun's innovative approach to microfinance presents opportunities for disruption and growth in the fintech industry.
2. Social Enterprise - Akhun's emphasis on supporting local entrepreneurs and ethically made artisan products aligns with the values and goals of the social enterprise sector, opening doors for collaboration and innovation.
3. Youth Marketing - Akhun's appeal to a younger demographic creates possibilities for disruptive marketing strategies and product development targeted towards the youth market.