NextBillion.net, a web platform that brings together business leaders, social entrepreneurs, NGOs, policymakers and academics to explore the connection between development and enterprise, launched NextBillion Brasil (NBB) this month. The NextBillion network’s managing partners – the World Resources Institute and the William Davidson Institute – will direct NextBillion Brasil, as they do the parent and affiliate organizations, NextBillion.net and NextBillion Español, while its development and launch has been driven by the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) Brazil hub. The focus of the new site’s interest will be activity and innovations affecting the so-called Base of the Pyramid population, among which the compilers identify the government’s Bolsa Familia programme and the growing use of mobile phones. Like NextBillion.net and NextBillion Español, NBB will feature several blog posts per week from academics, entrepreneurs, economic developers and others involved in market-based solutions to poverty, but from the Brazilian perspective. It will also feature posts from those two sites and will produce a free e-newsletter.

‘NextBillion Brasil aims to be a comprehensive hub of news, research and analysis around business solutions to poverty reduction, targeted to a Brazilian audience,’ says Rob Parkinson, NBB’s editor and project coordinator. ‘In addition to interviews, case studies and opinion pieces, the site will also highlight opportunities for Brazilians who want to get involved with this growing field. Our vision is for people to not only be informed, but also excited and engaged in action!’