// Business Council for Peace - More Jobs Means Less Violence //

Bpeace's strategy for peace in this world is: more jobs mean less violence. In countries where conflict is manifested by neighbor killing neighbor, idleness and poverty are often at the root.

In the aftermath of war and genocide, the absence of jobs will likely lead to renewed violence. Small and medium-sized businesses are essential stabilizing factors to post-conflict recovery, generating jobs that provide income and a better life for ordinary people and future generations.

Bpeace is a non-profit international volunteer network of business professionals. In countries emerging from war, like Rwanda and Afghanistan, our volunteers help women entrepreneurs expand their businesses, create employment, and build a peaceful future for their communities.

By focusing Bpeace's efforts on Fast Runner entrepreneurs, we count on the reverberation effect that starts with healthier, more sustainable businesses that result in increased employment, equips workers with skills, and contributes to more families experiencing less poverty and less domestic and community violence.

The hallmark of Bpeace is delivering long-term practical business advisory through our volunteers that is not otherwise accessible to these brave entrepreneurs in post-conflict economies. A business road trip to the U.S. is just one segment of a customized three-year investment strategy we make in each Fast Runner—a mix of pro-bono consulting, training, mentoring, out-of-country apprenticeships and business site visits, employee technical training, equipment, technology, branding and marketing, networking opportunities and access to capital and markets.

Our goal is the same for every entrepreneur: help her expand her business so she can create additional employment, hope and peace for her community.

Fatima is one of Bpeace’s Afghan Fast Runners. Her 77 workers support 623 family members. In one of the world’s poorest countries, Fatima is growing jobs and revenue at a rate significantly faster than her country’s GNP.

“Bpeace develops business knowledge that can be transferred down through generations and across villages to create jobs, stability and peace. The practical skills the entrepreneurs in our program gain will never dry up, because it is inside of them, and they will be able to pass it on.”

--Sabra Richardson, Bpeace Board Member

"Bpeace volunteers are the symbol of peace for me. Besides training in business, I learned unity with other Afghans. Our Rangeen Kaman store is proof of a strong relationship established by two corners of the world."

--Suria, Bpeace Afghan entrepreneur