Zafèn, Crowdfunding Platform for Haitian Entrepreneurs, announces Winner of Unleash Haiti’s Prosperity Contest 

Djennie (Jane) Dorvilier of Montreal, Canada is the winner of the “It’s Our Business to Unleash Haiti’s Prosperity” contest.  Launched by Zafèn, a crowdfunding platform that strengthens collaboration between entrepreneurs in Haiti, the Haitian Diaspora and everyone interested in developing  Haiti’s economy, the contest asked members of the Diaspora to share their ideas to stimulate prosperity.

Dorvilier’s winning idea is to promote alternative tourism and reinvest 20 percent of profits in waste management. She won a trip package graciously offered by Air Transat, a $3,600 value. The trip includes airfare and seven days of accommodations for two people in Haiti.  “I am very pleased and honored to win this award. This motivates me even more to get involved and to want to make a difference in Haiti,” said Dorvilier. The award was presented in the offices of the Consulate General of Haiti in Montreal in the presence of Consul General Justin Viard.

“I am glad to see that Djennie Dorvilier already has a great love for Haiti, because this love is already working to put in place sustainable development projects,” said Dorothy Alexandre, the journalist spokesperson for the contest. “As a Zafèn Ambassador, I wish that Djennie’s trip propels her in the achievement of her objectives so that she can contribute to  this beautiful and warm country,” Alexandre added.

“This contest – and Zafèn – are an excellent example of the dynamic partnership between the Haitian private sector and the Haitian Diaspora that Haiti needs to continue to develop its economy,” says Carine Roenen, executive director of Fonkoze, which operates Zafèn.  This competition was made possible thanks to the generosity of Air Transat, ZWart multicultural marketing  agency, LINK TECHNOLOGY AFRICA, and Haitian Hometown Associations Resource Group (HHTARG).

About Zafèn: For nearly four years, this Internet financing platform has supported emerging Haitian companies and social projects that do not fulfill the conditions of eligibility for traditional bank loans.

See also the Vincentian Family Haiti Initiative

Zafèn was founded by four organizations: the International Vincentian Family, an assembly of people worldwide affiliated with organizations who find inspiration in the legacies of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac; DePaul University in Chicago, the largest Catholic university in America; Fonkoze, Haiti’s alternative bank for the organized poor; and the Haitian Hometown Associations Resource Group, which enables the Haitian Diaspora to foster economic and social growth to alleviate poverty in their native communities.