Endeavor Entrepreneurs from Latin America, South Africa and Turkey Meet the Boston Business Community

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Twenty-one Endeavor Entrepreneurs from Latin America, South Africa and Turkey will meet with Boston’s top business leaders from November 6-8. The goal is to advance private sector development in emerging markets.

“Endeavor has played an instrumental role in promoting entrepreneurship as a tool for development. It is a model that should be replicated around the world.”

These emerging-market entrepreneurs from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey and Uruguay will liaise with CEOs and founders of Staples, Sycamore Networks, Zipcar, Advent International, Tabblo, Skok Systems and Sirtris Pharmaceuticals.

Endeavor Entrepreneurs are those poised to develop new technologies and innovations that will transform societies and create hundreds – even thousands – of jobs and generate millions in wages and revenues in developing countries - but lack the role models and networks to reach their potential. This tour aims to support emerging-market entrepreneurs by building networks and sharing successful practices with the Boston business community – that will lead to future opportunities for business and trade.

In 2004, Staples acquired Officenet, an Argentine based office supply chain run by Endeavor Entrepreneurs Santiago Bilinkis and Andy Freire.

About Endeavor

Among the root causes of poverty in many parts of the world are the lack of jobs and the lack of social mobility. Since 1997, Endeavor has been the leading supporter of high-impact entrepreneurship in emerging markets. High-impact entrepreneurship creates jobs, generates wealth and contributes to the economic and social development of their countries. It has offices in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey and Uruguay – and a bold plan for expansion into Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

As of October 2006, Endeavor has supported more than 250 entrepreneurs, created more than 45,000 new jobs and generated approximately US$ 2 billion in new revenue.

Former World Bank President and Endeavor Global Board Member James D. Wolfensohn says, “Endeavor has played an instrumental role in promoting entrepreneurship as a tool for development. It is a model that should be replicated around the world.”