Economic Growth
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Economic Growth is Key
A quick review of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs shows what everyone knows—without a modicum of income, without a steady,
reliable source of food and shelter, no one has the time to think about community participation or governance. I recently led a
focus group in an eastern city of the Republic of Georgia. It was a rolling, insightful, lively two hours of discussion. At the close
of our time together, I asked: what is the one thing above all others I should know and tell others about community
engagement challenges. The answer was immediate and emphatic: Jobs.
My sensibilities on economic growth match those related to democratization and governance—the process is iterative, not
linear. As such, my efforts focus on clarity of policy, collaboration; on the small business, and on economic efforts that do
much more than generate income.
reliable source of food and shelter, no one has the time to think about community participation or governance. I recently led a
focus group in an eastern city of the Republic of Georgia. It was a rolling, insightful, lively two hours of discussion. At the close
of our time together, I asked: what is the one thing above all others I should know and tell others about community
engagement challenges. The answer was immediate and emphatic: Jobs.
My sensibilities on economic growth match those related to democratization and governance—the process is iterative, not
linear. As such, my efforts focus on clarity of policy, collaboration; on the small business, and on economic efforts that do
much more than generate income.
Policy Analysis
At its heart, Policy analysis is understanding the rules of the game and then figuring out how those rules benefit a client or
beneficiary or what needs to change so that the legal context is more beneficial. In nations in transition, the sheer extent of
legal reform in the first two decades has been staggering. And in many cases, initial bodies of law have been amended many
times over, making for a confusing, often contradictory set of rules to follow. Unraveling the policies that direct economic
entities requires an understanding of local law and customs, asking the right questions, and figuring out not just where
business and governments are today, but where they want to be in the future.
beneficiary or what needs to change so that the legal context is more beneficial. In nations in transition, the sheer extent of
legal reform in the first two decades has been staggering. And in many cases, initial bodies of law have been amended many
times over, making for a confusing, often contradictory set of rules to follow. Unraveling the policies that direct economic
entities requires an understanding of local law and customs, asking the right questions, and figuring out not just where
business and governments are today, but where they want to be in the future.
Public Private Partnerships
Collaborative approaches to economic growth are more sustainable than competitive ones to my thinking. The logic is pretty
straightforward—the more people and institutions invested in the effort, the greater likelihood that more resources will be
brought to bear and the greater the shared motivation for progress.
During my time with USAID's Gobi Initiative, I did a lot of research and analysis to promote economic growth. Of special
importance was the role of local officials working in partnership with local businesses and citizens.
straightforward—the more people and institutions invested in the effort, the greater likelihood that more resources will be
brought to bear and the greater the shared motivation for progress.
During my time with USAID's Gobi Initiative, I did a lot of research and analysis to promote economic growth. Of special
importance was the role of local officials working in partnership with local businesses and citizens.
Small Business
At their best, small business can be much more than a source of income. At the Bagel, we prided ourselves on being a
“livingroom” that both international and Mexican customers enjoyed. Sure we served great food, but more importantly, we
fed the soul.
I’ve had an idea for a small business in Albania that would preserve cultural crafts, promote intergenerational ties, and
generate income for an at-risk group of women. If that sounds good to you, get in touch with me and we can talk about it.
“livingroom” that both international and Mexican customers enjoyed. Sure we served great food, but more importantly, we
fed the soul.
I’ve had an idea for a small business in Albania that would preserve cultural crafts, promote intergenerational ties, and
generate income for an at-risk group of women. If that sounds good to you, get in touch with me and we can talk about it.
Beyond Business
Small doesn’t mean easy! Anyone who’s been a small business owner knows that even the “simplest” business venture
means total commitment. Good business owners need to be good listeners. But sometimes tunnel vision can set in and it
takes someone with a little perspective to make observations and suggestions that seem rather obvious.
I have been a small business owner and I speak from experience. It’s not always easy to seek out or listen to other people’s
ideas, but it is often valuable. I have assisted several small businesses with marketing strategies and campaigns that have
used my original photography and art. That's what the Day of the Dead image is all about.
means total commitment. Good business owners need to be good listeners. But sometimes tunnel vision can set in and it
takes someone with a little perspective to make observations and suggestions that seem rather obvious.
I have been a small business owner and I speak from experience. It’s not always easy to seek out or listen to other people’s
ideas, but it is often valuable. I have assisted several small businesses with marketing strategies and campaigns that have
used my original photography and art. That's what the Day of the Dead image is all about.
There can be no
real individual
freedom in the
presence of
economic
insecurity.
Chester Bowles
real individual
freedom in the
presence of
economic
insecurity.
Chester Bowles