township patterns – the story of the eaie prague 2014 conference bags

TOWNSHIP PATTERNS

A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IN ACTION: CASE

STUDY

Christophe Labesse,

CEO

EIBTM Sustainable Hub, 2012 1

Since 1997

An African grassroots enterprise is

driving social innovation in the

Meetings, Incentives, Conferences

and Exhibitions industry

Since 1997

The first heartbeat of the

company originated in the

townships. While visiting

Cape Town during her

holidays Nicole-Marie Iresch

(Founder and Chairman) was

approached by a group of

women

asking for employment. She

felt an instant bond with

them and immediately

recognized their energy and

potential.

Can you see the beauty?

Nicole-Marie entered their

homes, listened to their

dreams and hopes; she

discovered a deep beauty and

spirit hidden between the

metal sheets of the shacks.

The women had just basic

sewing skills along with

motivation and style.

They started mixing them with

the colours, the vibe, the

textures and feelings of

the townships in order to show

them to the rest of the world.

Take a closer look

Since 1997, Township Patterns has been supporting

women entrepreneurship

in township communities outside Cape Town, South Africa.

A Story of Beauty and Success

in the least expected place

TOWNSHIP PATTERNSo Product design

o Marketing

o Communication

o Distribution

AFRIQUE DU SUD BIDONVILLESo Production support – Quality Control

o Training

o Development financing

o Cooperatives network management

7 COOPERATIVES

60 women

township® new business model

1

1

3

2

township® new offering

A response to current World crisis

o A new business model to alleviate poverty

through business

o 100% commitment to women empowerment

o Exclusive use of eco-friendly materials

o Africa rising movement : pulling out Africa from

its economic seclusion

Since 1997

Swiss example

44,500 delegate bags

Since 1997

township®

A 21st century company

New World characteristics

o Putting producers back at the centre of your

organisation

o Advocating Fair Trade in your industry

o Early adopters like ISN, TEDx, … understand the new

model

2013 International Society of Nephrology Congress

Hong-Kong, China

Since 1997

Can you see the beauty now?

Thank you!

Enkosi kakulu!

Since 1997