Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Business Call to Action (BCtA)?
The Business Call to Action (BCtA) is a multi-stakeholder platform that challenges and encourages companies to develop innovative business models that meet both development and business goals.
2. Why was the BCtA launched?
The BCtA was launched in 2008 to encourage businesses to accelerate progress towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and addressing other social and economic challenges. By providing jobs, contributing to environmental sustainability, addressing healthcare challenges in developing countries, and creating opportunities for women, companies contribute to the long-term success and vitality of developing nations.
3. How is the BCtA funded?
The BCtA initiative receives financial and in-kind support from the United Nations Development Programme, UN Global Compact, the Clinton Global Initiative, the International Business Leaders Forum, the UK Department for International Development, and the Australian Agency for International Development.
4. What are the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)?
The MDGs are commitments made by member states of the United Nations in 2000, setting targets to reduce poverty and improve the well-being of their populations by 2015. For more information see:
http://www.undp.org/mdg.
5. Who can join the BCtA?
Participants in the BCtA include both multinational and national companies committed to contributing to development solutions through their core business activities. Member companies represent a diversity of sectors, including financial services, information and communication technology, agribusiness, manufacturing and extractive industries.
6. How do companies join the BCtA?
Companies are invited to submit applications for initiatives that support the implementation of the MDGs while being a profitable and sustainable part of core business strategy. Company initiatives shall contribute to economic growth and poverty eradication in developing countries, and shall possess goals that are quantifiable in both business and development terms.
To submit an initiative to the BCtA, a company fills in an initiative application form describing its intended initiative in terms of: location and type of activity; link to core business; targets; and expected business and development impacts. Initiatives are then reviewed and approved by BCtA representatives. Where appropriate, the Secretariat and partners may help a company to refine its submission before approval. To download a BCtA initiative application, visit:
http://bcta-initiative.org/join-bcta/how-to-participate.
7. Is there a fee to join the BCtA?
No, there is no membership fee to join the BCtA. Companies submit an initiative application to the BCtA Secretariat for consideration. Please see Frequently Asked Question #6 for more information about the BCtA membership process.
8. Do companies receive assistance in developing an initiative?
Yes, limited technical support is provided by the BCtA Secretariat and/or the BCtA partners to help identify and develop appropriate company initiatives. For additional support, the BCtA Secretariat can refer companies to potential implementing partners and enterprise development experts.
9. Does BCtA provide financial support to member companies?
No, companies are expected to mobilize their own financing for initiatives. Where appropriate, BCtA can connect companies with donor organizations to support project implementation.
10. What are the membership benefits to joining the BCtA?
BCtA provides a global, high-visibility platform for companies to demonstrate their commitment to eradicating poverty. By joining the BCtA, a company has access to global knowledge and expertise on inclusive business models. The BCtA recognizes, validates and disseminates reported results, which can help a company enhance its reputation and market positioning. Companies also benefit from being part of the BCtA community of practice.
