SAP has joined with Ashoka Changemakers to launch a competition focused on “The Power of Small: Entrepreneurs Strengthening Local Economies” aimed at helping emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses grow.
Ashoka Changemakers is a global community that involves individuals, Fortune 500 companies and global foundations to drive sustainable change. The online competition has been open to participation June onwards and through this competition, SAP seeks innovative strategies from organisations and partnerships around the world and in India to help small businesses grow and thrive in underserved communities. Proposed solutions of entries must focus on providing entrepreneurs in emerging or established markets with the infrastructure they need to reach their full potential and create a larger and sustainable impact on society.
Participants can submit entries until September 5 and four winners will each receive $10,000, as a technology donation, promotion and networking opportunities with SAP executives and customers. Despite the capability of emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses to drive and create sustainable and inclusive economies, they often lack the infrastructure.
Being one of the largest markets of small and medium sized enterprises (SME), the segment contributes to over 40 per cent of industrial output, forming a strong backbone of economy. Since they are deeply connected to local resources and needs, small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs have an unmatched ability to leverage the core competencies of their region. SAP’s “Power of Small” competition aspires to meet such critical needs and address the challenges.
“SAP believes in the power of small business and entrepreneurs to drive the innovation and job creation that the world needs,” said Eric Duffaut, President of Ecosystem & Channels, SAP AG.