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Abstract
TITLE:
The UNIPOP Distance Learning and Technology Exchange Service
Proponent:
Fundacion Universidad Popular de Desarrollo Sostenible de Las Americas (UNIPOP).
This initiative will develop an infrastructure and program to provide skills and services for community sustainable development through higher education and distance learning.
Purpose
To provide organizational and capacity building support through higher education distance learning to community-based groups, corporations and individuals from communities in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean which develop partnerships in order to participate in international investment and commerce.
The Consortium will:
· offer participating students, Universities and community organizations, opportunity for intense participation in educational and technology exchange experiences; area studies courses, seminars and internships; language reinforcing classes and environmental studies in Panama.
· facilitate technology exchange and interaction with members of disadvantaged communities that are involved in processes that address sustainable development, poverty eradication, democratic and cooperative planning.
This business will employ distance learning as an instrument to provide sustainable development information, technology exchange and higher education to traditionally underserved or excluded populations in the Caribbean and Latin America. The courses offered will be generated by a Consortium of participating institutions, making them available to universities and community groups involved in Sustainable Development across the Western hemisphere through an infrastructure of hubs and networks of Distance Learning Centers (DLCs).
Investment Sought:
U.S. $2,000,000 of Bond financing for a period of five years to cover equipment and start up expenses.
$1,000,000 of High Risk Venture Capital development work and product-offering design is being provided on a contingency basis by professionals associated with member organizations of UNIPOP.
What does this project actually do?
Non-profit organizers in each of the countries will help communities to identify business activity that will enhance the ability of the target groups to be successful owners and partners in joint venture micro and medium size economic projects.
The Universidad Popular Distance Learning and Technology Exchange Service consisting of a consortium of Universities and Research Centers in Latin America, the Caribbean and the City University of New York, will provide high risk venture capital research, development and consultant services, higher education distance learning and Capacity building services, small Business affordable Incubator services to the target Populations.
What is the market opportunity?
There exist opportunity to compete provide these kinds of services in emerging mega projects in Latin America and the Caribbean on the Governmental and private sector levels. Each of the businesses identified as part of the New Paradigm for Eradication of Poverty will e required to submit to the services provided by UNIPOP before partnership investment and access to credit. Demand exists for affordable distance learning higher education services for the target population.
How much will it cost?
According to the business plan of UNIPOP, a Limited Partnership investment of $3,000,000 for the distance learning operation is needed to augment envisioned in-kind contributions and grants raised by the collaborating Universities, Centers and Professionals. $3,000,000 is needed for Feasibility and Package facilitation activity.$2,000,000 for marketing and demographic research
What does that price tag get the funding and financing partners?
Investor partners will participate in a limited liability corporation with a 501 C3 partner and receive a return on their investment. Investor partners will receive tax benefits from the limited partnership arrangements. Investor partners will receive world wide publicity because of their association with this venture of exceeding philanthropic value.
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