Who builds apps for the price of a snack? In Brazil, local entrepreneur MeuSoft does just that by employing and training youth who develop affordable applications for microentrepreneurs. All royalties from the sales of apps are shared among the participants. Over the next three years, MeuSoft plans to train 10,000 youth who can generate their income through app development.In recognition of this and similar compelling business models, SAP has invited the winners and finalists of its Power of Small competition – MeuSoft is one – to SAPPHIRE NOW in Madrid.
To backtrack briefly: In June of this year, SAP teamed with Askoka Changemakers – a global community dedicated to tackling social challenges – to initiate an international competition as part of SAP’s 40th anniversary celebrations. The aim of the competition is to help emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive in struggling local economies and have a positive impact on the local population.
Check out this short video on the association with Ashoka.
This is just one aspect of SAP’s multifaceted Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) presence at SAPPHIRE NOW in Madrid. Under the theme of “The Power of Small: Strengthening Local Economies Through Social Innovation”, for the first time this year, SAP will showcase its corporate social responsibility program at SAPPHIRE NOW. Alexandra van der Ploeg, CSR project manager at SAP, explains that SAP is “more than just products and services. We deliver positive, tangible impact on the communities in which we work.” She continues “We will be demonstrating the Power of Social Innovation at SAPPHIRE NOW, and asking guests to share their social innovation ideas at our booth.”
Together with her Global Communications colleagues Rebecca Nicholson and Gabrielle Hartmann, she invites customers and partners to drop by the booth in Madrid to share innovative CSR ideas and approaches. Rebecca, who has a strong background in field communications, notes that “CSR also features in buying decisions. We’re all seeing that customers increasingly expect their suppliers to demonstrate great CSR strategies, making CSR credentials another factor in their buying decisions.”
Every day at the CSR booth has a different focus topic:
Tuesday, November 13 – Power of Small
Wednesday, November 14 – Solutions for Youth Unemployment
Thursday, November 15 – Role of Technology
If you are attending SAPPHIRE NOW, visit the CSR booth in Hall 10 and:
Learn how the CSR vision fuels economic opportunity
Hear how SAP’s social investments and partnerships impact local communities
Pitch your social idea that enhances economic opportunity to our panel of social innovators and Ashoka Fellows. You will gain immediate feedback and the chance to develop your idea further.
