Entrepreneurship in Frontier Markets

From informal markets of Lima to conflict zones of East Africa and garment factories of South Asia, intrepid entrepreneurs contend with challenging conditions. Some strive to expand opportunity, others to rebuild, and others to break through social barriers. Dr. Kim Bettcher will share insights from entrepreneurs he has worked with about how they adapt and what they do for their community. He will provide glimpses into the informal sector, business for peace, women’s empowerment, and more.

Kim Eric Bettcher, PhD, advises associations, think tanks, and coalitions on strategies to improve public governance, civic engagement, and inclusive opportunity. Combining insights from policy, business, and nonprofit advocacy, he helps reform-minded leaders shape win-win solutions for systemic change. For twenty years, he facilitated knowledge exchange across the global portfolio of the Center for International Private Enterprise and guided program design on themes of policy leadership, collective action, organizational capacity building, economic empowerment, and more. Dr. Bettcher has taught as an adjunct professor at George Mason University’s School of Public Policy and was previously a research associate at Harvard Business School. He holds a PhD in political science from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Harvard College. 

Claes Ryn takes the podium to discuss “Isn’t It Time to Abolish the Class Society?” In his talk, Professor Ryn will explore the growing economic polarization in America and the complex idea of social justice. Drawing on his deep background in political thought and ethics, he will challenge us to reflect on how divisions in wealth and opportunity affect our society – and what can be done to bridge the gap.

Chad Bissonnette is a mission-driven nonprofit leader with 20 years of experience in international development, organizational management, and community empowerment. As the President and Co-founder of Roots of Development, he has dedicated his career to promoting a “Development without Dependency” model, focusing on sustainable, community-led initiatives, particularly in Haiti.

Chad holds a B.A. in International Relations from American University and was honored as the School of International Service’s Alumnus of the Year in 2014. He has traveled extensively and lived in multiple countries—experiences that have enriched his global perspective, deepened his insights into cross-cultural collaboration, and shaped his commitment to inclusive, locally led development.