In 2011 the Fisherman Foundation through the Breakthrough Innovation Grant (BIG) partnered with the University of Asia and the Pacific, the Seven Fund, and the Rotary Club of Manila for a competition that awarded $20,000 USD to the most innovative business idea that would have an impact on poverty alleviation in Manila. In the initial round, close to 100 entries were received with over 750 comments from the online community and 5000+ votes from participants’ networks. There were 6 finalists selected with ideas ranging from solar energy, eco-friendly cleaning products and internet cafes.
GKonomics, with its “GKaskets” idea, was selected as the ultimate winner. Their idea was to help build up a local community social enterprise through the production and selling of green caskets. This community of poor individuals that formed the social enterprise received training to produce environmentally-friendly caskets made of recycled materials with the goal of selling to local funeral homes in the greater Manila area.
GKonomics, with its “GKaskets” idea, was selected as the ultimate winner. Their idea was to help build up a local community social enterprise through the production and selling of green caskets. This community of poor individuals that formed the social enterprise received training to produce environmentally-friendly caskets made of recycled materials with the goal of selling to local funeral homes in the greater Manila area.