I think you’ll agree that finding sources of money and investment is an issue that EVERY business — for-profit or non-profit, big or small — needs to worry about.
As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, SAP AG has teamed up with PlaNet Finance to play a role in helping out microfinance organizations, specifically those entities that are helping out social entrepreneurs and business collectives around the globe. In this way, SAP can put itself in front of all sorts of emerging businesses around the world.
The relationship calls for SAP to support organizations that PlaNet Finance is funding by providing technology that supports field initiations (like the one described below), by improving PlaNet Finance’s in-house-developed MicroFit software for microfinance organizations and by providing infrastructure to support PlaNet Finance’s corporate operations. SAP will draw on its SAP ecosystem partners to help out.
The first field initiative being supported by SAP and PlaNet Finance is focused on northern Ghana, where the two organizations will provide technology and financing to help out in the process of harvesting and producing shea butter. Among other things, they’ll be training local women in advanced production techniques that should help speed time to market and they’re providing groups with mobile phones for managing orders and keeping on top of the financing process.
Here’s more details about the alliance between SAP and PlaNet Finance.
