The Asian edition of Small Loans, Big Dreams, authored by Alex Counts, founder of the Grameen Foundation, is now available at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. The book sheds light on Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus’ pivotal contributions to microfinance and poverty alleviation.

The cover prominently includes the subtitle, How Nobel Prize Winner Muhammad Yunus and Microfinance Are Changing the World, emphasizing Yunus’ transformative work. Originally published in 2008, this marks the first release of its Asian edition.

In Small Loans, Big Dreams, Alex Counts provides a compelling account of the evolution of microfinance in Bangladesh, led by Dr. Yunus and Grameen Bank. The book narrates the inspiring story of a marginalized woman who overcame poverty by starting a small business with microcredit support.

Published by UPL, the book is available for purchase at their stall at the fair. UPL Director Mahrukh Mohiuddin confirmed to BSS that this is the first time the Asian edition has been featured at the event.

Additionally, several books authored or edited by Dr. Yunus, as well as another title by Alex Counts, Muhammad Yunus, Grameen Bank and the Global Micro-Finance Revolution, are also available at the UPL stall. These books have been showcased at the fair in previous years.

The Asian edition of Small Loans, Big Dreams delves into the history of microfinance, outlining how Grameen Bank has navigated economic downturns and environmental challenges. Counts also addresses criticisms of the Grameen model while highlighting the lasting impact of Yunus’ vision. The book underscores how microfinance can help bridge economic disparities by empowering underprivileged communities to contribute meaningfully to the global economy.

Alex Counts, who established the Grameen Foundation in 1997 with the guidance of Dr. Yunus, served as its president and CEO. He also held the same roles at the American India Foundation in 2016-17. A graduate of Cornell University, Counts received the John F. Kennedy Memorial Award.

Other notable books on Dr. Yunus and microfinance available at the UPL stall include:

Banker to the Poor – an autobiography of Dr. Muhammad Yunus

A World of Three Zeros: The New Economics of Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Net Carbon Emissions – by Dr. Yunus

Building Social Business: The New Kind of Capitalism That Serves Humanity’s Most Pressing Needs – by Dr. Yunus

Muhammad Yunus, Grameen Bank and the Global Micro-Finance Revolution – by Alex Counts

Jorimon and Others: Faces of Poverty – edited by Dr. Yunus

Visitors to the Amar Ekushey Book Fair can explore these titles to gain deeper insights into the microfinance revolution and its role in addressing global poverty.