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Connecting East and West: Our Approach

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Using entrepreneurship as a way to connect East and West creates a connection that benefits both regions economically and environmentally in the long term .

One of the problems we see globally from a social perspective is that wealth and knowledge are not equally shared.

Our stories create a connection between Western funds and knowledge, and Eastern implementation.

With little budget to start with, it’s harder for people with small businesses in developing countries in the East to create a sustainable income.

Main Challenge

Recent studies looking into East-West dichotomy show that even within the European Community this divide is still very present. Traditional international development is not decreasing this divide.

We can close this gap by connecting the Western market directly with local initiatives and businesses in the East.

These organisations are embedded in the local community and, like our project skitourcaucasus.com, will benefit the society and economy of that local community.

Western funds and knowledge can have a positive impact on this localisation of business development. By carefully providing the right resources, we support the empowerment of these local projects.

Our stories create a connection between Western funds and knowledge, and Eastern implementation.

Governmental development work does not have a good reputation in the Western world. The idea of tax money being invested in unclear projects in a faraway country does not appeal to the Western public. By investment from Western businesses and growing Eastern businesses that cater to a Western market we access a different source of funding; from business and consumers.

Our approach

In the entrepreneurial projects we are involved in, we show the direct relationship between Western funds and knowledge, and sustainable outcomes in the East.

We share these stories with our community to create understanding and connection.

We think that’s an exciting new opportunity.

With Eastern Ridge we hope to be part of (and kick start) a movement that creates this entrepreneurial connection.

We also facilitate this implementation hands-on.

In the EPRC project we personally support Eastern Businesses to connect to Western markets by creating a better communication and product fit.

With Skitourcaucasus.com we create an online knowledge base to attract people to come and benefit from local drivers, accommodation and guides. With Untamedborders.com adventure travel, we facilitated network connections to give back to the communities we visit by planting trees, use less plastic and drive community organisations.

How we see sustainable development

The input of knowledge and funds comes from individual consumers (markets) and businesses. The output can be found in local communities, generated income, international trade and the environment. Please read some of our stories to learn more about what that means in practice.

We are well on our way to making the world more sustainable. Sharing is caring is already an international phenomenon. We need to make sure this crosses borders too.

Let’s share through entrepreneurship.