Power of Small: Entrepreneurs Strengthening Local Economies

Posted by on July 16, 2012

SAP and Changemakers Announce Global Competition for Innovative Strategies to Help Emerging Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses in Underserved Communities

Deadline: September 5, 2012

Launched by SAP, an international enterprise application software company, and Ashoka Changemakers, The Power of Small: Entrepreneurs Strengthening Local Economies is a global competition for organizations and partnerships with innovative strategies designed to help emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses grow and thrive in underserved communities.

Despite the significant value they create, emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses often lack the infrastructure they need to reach their full potential and create an even greater impact on society. Potential solutions include those that fulfill the talent needs of small businesses by developing the competencies of underserved job seekers and connecting them to local jobs; build the capacity of emerging entrepreneurs to enable them to scale their businesses; link small businesses to larger supply chains or government resource pipelines; unlock growth financing for established small businesses; facilitate the collaboration of government, nonprofit, and private-sector entities to provide infrastructures that support small business and entrepreneurial growth; and help small businesses carry out environmentally- and socially-responsible business practices.

The competition is open to all organizations and partnerships from around the world. Solutions should reflect the theme of the challenge and demonstrate impact within an underserved community or population. Entrants should indicate growth beyond the conceptual stage and have demonstrated impact and sustainability. The best entries will be those that demonstrate a substantial difference from other initiatives in the field and have the possibility for global replication.

All finalists will be invited to the SAP SAPPHIRE NOW Conference in Madrid, Spain, November 13-15, 2012, where four winners will be announced. Winners will receive a comprehensive capital, technology, and promotion package, which includes a cash prize of $10,000, a technology donation to optimize performance and scale operations, and promotion and networking opportunities with SAP executives and SAP customers at the SAP SAPPHIRE NOW Conference. Entries submitted before July 25, 2012, will also be eligible for one of two $500 cash prizes and an advisory session with experts in the field.

Entries can only be accepted in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French.

Visit the Changemakers Web site for complete competition guidelines, judging criteria, and entry procedures.

http://www.changemakers.com/powerofsmall