Why Dreamfish? Microenterprises increase incomes and reduce poverty
The vision of Dreamfish is a global work network of independent people who collaborate on work and change their own lives and the world in the process. We are now at the time that there is market awareness and urgent need for new ways to organize our economy. The facts are apparent, and eyes are open.
Trend to Micro for Millions
Many of us are looking for a new way to work. Many are on the margins, with 195 million unemployed worldwide. Millions have already discovered entrepreneurship as a way out. There are 21.5 million microenterprises (businesses with five or fewer employees), just in the United States.
Micro-enterprise programs show results.
Several major studies on the effects on micro-enterprise on low-income and moderate-income individuals show that micro-enterprises assist to move individuals out of poverty. A five year study of Aspen’s Self-employment Learning Project showed the following results:
- Increase in Income - The poor raised annual income by average of $10,507.
- 53% Out of poverty – Reliance on public assistance benefits declined significantly in dollars and number of recipients.
- 57% Business survival rate – 57% were in business after five years. This is favorable to small business’ 40% survival rate.
- Women powered – Most micro-enterprises are women. In this study, 78% were women entrepreneurs.
The Dreamfish Way – Real. Relational. Resilient.
Building on best practices within micro-enterprise development, Open Source network economies, and pioneering organization development, Dreamfish is a way for independent workers and job providers to find work, hire, collaborate and pay. As entrepreneurs, we learn as we practice a new way to work that sustains us, financially and personally. We also reduce our environmental footprint by working virtually and sharing resources. Here’s how we do it:
- Lower costs and higher effectiveness. Using free tools and a peer-to-peer open source model.
- Empowered. There is no middle man in our exchange. Nobody looks over our shoulder.
- Collaborative economy. Two fish swim better than one.
- Entrepreneurial Learning model, based on how adult entrepreneurs learn and grow – through peer coaching, and groups for job seekers.
- Woman-friendly. We appeal to women, who are underserved. Most micro-entrepreneurs are women. Yet, women have little access to capital. Only 5% of VC funding goes to women, and most entrepreneurial brands target men.
- Sustainable. We make SROI – Social Return on Investment - come to life.
- Growthful – Success is personal. Confidence, balance and happiness are measures of success.
- We can scale our model to support good work for millions. Unlike nonprofit micro-enterprise programs, Dreamfish can grow big, well.
Sustainable work for us all is within our reach. We have proven approaches. Our tools are available. The timing is right. Together, we can create sustainable work for all of us. If you want to support the Dreamfish Way, please get involved.