Free legal support to eligible small and medium-sized for-profit enterprises and market-focused NGOs and non-profits across Africa, Asia, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Launched by Sidley in 2012, the Emerging Enterprises Pro Bono Program provides free legal support to eligible small- and medium-sized for-profit enterprises and market-focused NGOs and non-profits that have a clear so
cial impact in developing countries across Africa, Asia, Central and South America and the Caribbean. The Program aims to impact and benefit poor, rural and disadvantaged communities, particularly women, by supporting local businesses that provide enhanced employment and livelihood opportunities. As of July 2016, the program formerly known as the Asia-Africa Agricultural Enterprise Pro Bono Program was rebranded and expanded to cover developing countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean. There is a great need for international legal services in these developing markets, and in addition to that need, many Sidley lawyers in the U.S., who are on the same time zones, have Spanish language skills and/or an interest in supporting development in the Americas. The Program originally focused on purely agricultural-related enterprises, as over 75% of the world’s poorest people derive their income and livelihoods from agricultural activities. Over time, we have broadened our sector focus to also include businesses and NGOs that provide wider services and opportunities that help build thriving local economies, increase communities’ resilience to economic and environmental shocks, and improve incomes and livelihood opportunities. Now we are formally extending our services to all eligible for-profit and non-profit enterprises that are committed to delivering a positive social impact in developing countries. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
