In this Section
- The new environmental imperative
- The new marketplace
- The new arena of community
The new marketplace: small businesses and global ambitions
If global integration is to bridge the gap between the developed and the developing worlds, individuals and businesses in emerging markets need the right tools, infrastructure and skills to bring their expertise to the global economy.
Small businesses are already the growth engines of nearly every market. And their future can be brighter yet—with some help.
To access world-class skills and resources on a global scale, you no longer have to be big. IBM has teamed with IFC, part of the World Bank Group, to improve and relaunch the online Small Business Toolkit —more than 500 tools and resources, free of charge, to help small businesses around the world succeed and grow. The Small Business Toolkit is available in a dozen languages and 22 countries, including emerging markets such as India, Vietnam and South Africa. In the United States, the project targets women- and minority-owned businesses. The global collaboration relies on a partner in each country to customize content for local needs. IBM invested $1.6 million to rebuild the portal on an open source platform, adding collaboration tools, online chat, a business directory and a range of content management solutions.
"Small and medium enterprises generate a significant share of jobs and economic growth, especially in emerging markets. Their impact can be even greater with access to good business management practices. Giving entrepreneurs the information and new collaborative technologies they need will help them grow and be successful." - Lars Thunell, IFC Executive Vice President and CEO
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2007 IBM Corporate Responsibility Report
A new model of global citizenship among individuals, organizations and society at large.