Grameen Foundation : Where we work : United States : Kevin's story
Microfinance Spells Crossword Success
Kevin - New York City
Since he was a child, Kevin Dunn has had a knack for crossword puzzles. He never imagined he would be able to turn this talent into a business. Yet, for the past two and a half years, that is exactly what he has achieved. He has started and sustains his business InVision Publications with the help of Project Enterprise, a Grameen Foundation MFI partner based in New York City.
In 2002, Kevin became unemployed after the corporation he worked for outsourced his database management job. With no income or insurance, and no career opportunities on the horizon, his hope began to dwindle. That’s when Project Enterprise offered him the chance to start his own business. Their combination of credit, training and business development assistance gave Kevin the chance to realize his dream.
Though Kevin had been doing crossword puzzles all his life, he had never considered writing them professionally. Noticing there were no crosswords that specifically featured African-American culture and history, he decided to fill this market gap with his own company. He began writing crosswords that would "celebrate the global Black Experience," in an effort to make teaching Black history fun.
Kevin joined Project Enterprise in May 2004, and has since established his business and published his first puzzle books, In Search of Yourself and Crossword Connection. His books, which consistently sell out, are bought by teachers, students, and in Kevin's words, "cultural folks." Kevin has successfully printed and sold his publications, trademarked his business name, copyrighted his work, launched a website (www.puzzlesforus.com) and acquired ISBN numbers for his books.
After he paid back his first loan, Kevin took out a second loan that he will use to print two hundred more copies of his book and expand his marketing and outreach. His goal is to establish a connection between his publications and the public school systems in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia. "By incorporating InVision into the school curricula, I could capitalize on mandates for the teaching of Black history and heritage in public schools," Kevin said.
Looking back on the progress he has made, Kevin said, "I plan to build upon the success I’ve had with Project Enterprise, and to encourage others who may think owning their own business is impossible that it can work for anybody with the right approach."
Learn more about Project Enterprise
Grameen Foundation : Where we work : United States : Kevin's story
Grameen Foundation uses microfinance and innovative technology to fight global poverty and bring opportunities to the world's poorest people. With tiny loans and financial services, we help the poor, mostly women, start businesses and escape poverty. Our global network of 55 microfinance institution (MFI) partners including our Growth Guarantee partners has touched more than 34 million people in 24 countries. In addition, we introduced and now sustain technology initiatives (Mifos and Village Phone) in Cameroon, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, bringing our total country outreach to 28.
+1-202-628-3560 www.grameenfoundation.org
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