Deep Springs International’s strategy is to partner with existing organizations in a community to promote the development of water treatment businesses.  Here is our process:

Step 1.  Choose site and partners.

The first step is to choose a specific location and partner organizations.  The selection process begins by choosing a broad geographical region, and then narrowing the focus with increasingly intensive research.  DSI will not consider working in a location unless there is a need for safe water and there are educational institutions and MFIs that would be suitable partners.  The final choice of location and partners is made by the Board of DSI after detailed on-site investigation.

Step 2.  Tailor services to the site.

After choosing a site and partners, DSI will work in conjunction with community leaders to tailor its services to fit local conditions and to capitalize on the distinctive strengths of its partners.  This includes:

·         Defining how DSI will work with specific public health NGOs and MFIs in this locality,

·         Tailoring the water treatment and business curricula to reflect local conditions,

·         Determining which water treatment products are most likely to succeed,

·         Writing sample business plans for students who plan to start water treatment businesses, using treatment systems that DSI judges to be viable.

Step 3.  Equip schools and partners

Next, DSI equips its schools and local partners by providing curricula, scientific analysis, business plans, and financial assistance that will enable them to incubate water treatment businesses.  

Step 4.  Equip student entrepreneurs

With the help of partner schools, DSI will choose outstanding students who have completed the business and water treatment curricula and wish to start businesses in this field.  These students will be paired with local MFIs and given coaching and financial assistance. 

Step 5.  Evaluate

At each stage, DSI will seek advice from its partners and conduct its own analysis about the effectiveness of its services in educating students and in expanding the availability of safe water to the community.  DSI will use this information to improve its curricula and its other services.

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