Bringing Down Goliath

Bringing Down Goliath: A Slingshot Business Plan

Access to safe clean water is a monster of a problem, particularly in a disaster situation. The popular

figure presented is that in the global population 1 in 6 people do not have access to clean drinking water. In a

disaster situation where water sources and infrastructure are compromised, this number is much higher.

Providing bottled water is a band-aid solution. All people deserve an accessible and sustainable source of clean

water. With strong partnerships and proper deployment the Slingshot is capable of bringing down this beast.

The Red Cross would make an ideal partner for the Slingshot project. Their experience, reputation, and

funding would all be valuable assets to the project. The American chapter has been officially providing disaster

relief since 1905. They would have many contacts and be able to provide much logistical support. The value of

their years of experience is immeasurable. They are practically synonymous with disaster relief, they are also

well-known and well-respected on the global stage.

In terms of funding, since the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the American Red Cross alone has committed

$415 million on disaster relief in the area. According to their figures, 12% or approximately $50 million of that

money was dedicated to water and sanitation and has helped roughly 545,000 people. At $25,000 per Slinghot,

$50 million could produce 2000 units. If a single unit can provide water for 350 people, then 700,000 people

could be served. As production and deployment costs are reduced, even more could be done, up to 10 times

more if targets are hit. The Red Cross could get more for its money by partnering with Slingshot, or reduce its

costs and divert funds to other areas of aid.