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Subway co-founder's book raising money for those in poverty

April 13, 2012

The business book written by Subway restaurant chain president and co-founder Fred DeLuca is now available as an e-book. Proceeds from the e-book are going to the nonprofit Grameen Foundation, which helps the world's poorest - especially women - improve their lives and escape poverty by providing them with access to small loans, other financial services and income-generating opportunities.

The book, "Start Small/Finish Big... Fifteen Key Lessons to Start - and Run - Your Own Successful Business," was written by DeLuca with John P. Hayes and was first released in 2000.

In the book, DeLuca reflects on his experiences of launching the Subway business as a 17-year-old in the summer of 1965. He opened his first shop, in Bridgeport, Conn., with a $1,000 loan from his family friend, Dr. Peter Buck.

DeLuca said he is proud that proceeds from the book will benefit Grameen Foundation, which celebrated its 15th anniversary earlier this year.

"We are grateful that Fred DeLuca, one of the great business leaders of our time who began as a microentrepreneur himself, has decided to donate the proceeds from this e-book to our organization. 'Start Small, Finish Big' is a great read. Now, those purchasing it will have the satisfaction of knowing they are also directly supporting poverty alleviation through promoting entrepreneurship amongst those in need," said Alex Counts, president of the foundation.

The book also shares the experiences of 22 other entrepreneurs who started their businesses on a shoestring. The paperback version is still available through Brick Tower Press.

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