Empowering Businesses Through SAP’s Pro Bono Economic Equity Program
Fostering equitable access to economic opportunities, education, employment, and the circular economy has become a key focus for many organizations.
In 2021, SAP launched the Pro Bono for Economic Equity program in collaboration with Pyxera Global. This initiative supports historically underserved businesses and social enterprises across North America by engaging SAP employees as pro bono consultants to address critical strategic and systemic business challenges. Over the past three years, SAP employees have dedicated more than 22,000 hours to providing pro bono consulting for over 70 Black and Indigenous-owned businesses in Canada and the United States.
The program highlights the value of integrating pro bono initiatives into corporate development strategies. Notably, 95% of participating businesses reported feeling more prepared to tackle future challenges, and the program achieved an impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 92, reflecting high satisfaction among participants.
Anthony Wingham, co-founder of Nuez Acres, praised the program for its transparency and collaborative approach, stating: "As an Indigenous person, I often encounter business discussions that feel exploitative or transactional. However, this program was different—it allowed us to share our strategies openly and receive genuine support."
Marsha Guerrier, CEO of HerSuiteSpot, also highlighted the program's impact: "The volunteers brought expertise that small businesses like mine could never afford. The team SAP assigned to me went above and beyond to address my challenges, and their dedication was truly remarkable."
The benefits of the program extend beyond participant businesses, as SAP employees also gain valuable skills and experiences.
Pro Bono as a Leadership Development Tool
Katie Booth, head of North America Corporate Social Responsibility at SAP, explained: "Pro bono work is an excellent platform for upskilling employees and developing future leaders. It enhances teamwork, intercultural sensitivity, and strategic planning—core competencies in a global economy."
Although the initiative is part of SAP’s corporate social responsibility strategy, it also doubles as an investment in employee development, enhancing both human capital and business expertise.
An impressive 98% of SAP employees who participated in the program reported gaining or refining critical skills. Verena Lommatzsch, head of Technical Services for SAP Business Technology Platform, shared that the program pushed her out of her comfort zone and enriched her ability to navigate complex multicultural business environments.
"Personally, it helped me rethink my approach to challenges," she said. "Professionally, it was valuable to engage directly in hands-on work with new colleagues and gain insight into entrepreneurial practices like establishing an online store and managing wholesale relationships."
This blend of personal and professional growth makes the Pro Bono for Economic Equity program stand out. Participants not only enhance their own capabilities but also contribute to the resilience and growth of the businesses they support.
Rahaf Assaleh, an SAP employee, noted that the program deepened her understanding of Indigenous cultures and their unique business practices. "It encouraged me to think resourcefully and creatively, especially given the limited resources Indigenous business owners often work with," she said.
The program’s impact reaches beyond individual development. Nearly 75% of participants reported increased engagement with historically marginalized communities, enriching their perspectives and advancing SAP’s commitment to breaking unconscious biases and supporting social justice.
“At SAP, we believe in shared growth,” Booth said. “This program demonstrates how pro bono initiatives can drive innovation, boost employee satisfaction, and promote economic equity. It’s a win-win for our employees, the businesses we support, and society as a whole.”
By aligning employee development with social impact, companies not only prepare their workforce for the future but also support the long-term success of the businesses they collaborate with.
The moment has arrived for corporations to rethink their strategies and align them with the values of today’s purpose-driven workforce.
In 2021, SAP launched the Pro Bono for Economic Equity program in collaboration with Pyxera Global. This initiative supports historically underserved businesses and social enterprises across North America by engaging SAP employees as pro bono consultants to address critical strategic and systemic business challenges. Over the past three years, SAP employees have dedicated more than 22,000 hours to providing pro bono consulting for over 70 Black and Indigenous-owned businesses in Canada and the United States.
The program highlights the value of integrating pro bono initiatives into corporate development strategies. Notably, 95% of participating businesses reported feeling more prepared to tackle future challenges, and the program achieved an impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 92, reflecting high satisfaction among participants.
Anthony Wingham, co-founder of Nuez Acres, praised the program for its transparency and collaborative approach, stating: "As an Indigenous person, I often encounter business discussions that feel exploitative or transactional. However, this program was different—it allowed us to share our strategies openly and receive genuine support."
Marsha Guerrier, CEO of HerSuiteSpot, also highlighted the program's impact: "The volunteers brought expertise that small businesses like mine could never afford. The team SAP assigned to me went above and beyond to address my challenges, and their dedication was truly remarkable."
The benefits of the program extend beyond participant businesses, as SAP employees also gain valuable skills and experiences.
Pro Bono as a Leadership Development Tool
Katie Booth, head of North America Corporate Social Responsibility at SAP, explained: "Pro bono work is an excellent platform for upskilling employees and developing future leaders. It enhances teamwork, intercultural sensitivity, and strategic planning—core competencies in a global economy."
Although the initiative is part of SAP’s corporate social responsibility strategy, it also doubles as an investment in employee development, enhancing both human capital and business expertise.
An impressive 98% of SAP employees who participated in the program reported gaining or refining critical skills. Verena Lommatzsch, head of Technical Services for SAP Business Technology Platform, shared that the program pushed her out of her comfort zone and enriched her ability to navigate complex multicultural business environments.
"Personally, it helped me rethink my approach to challenges," she said. "Professionally, it was valuable to engage directly in hands-on work with new colleagues and gain insight into entrepreneurial practices like establishing an online store and managing wholesale relationships."
This blend of personal and professional growth makes the Pro Bono for Economic Equity program stand out. Participants not only enhance their own capabilities but also contribute to the resilience and growth of the businesses they support.
Rahaf Assaleh, an SAP employee, noted that the program deepened her understanding of Indigenous cultures and their unique business practices. "It encouraged me to think resourcefully and creatively, especially given the limited resources Indigenous business owners often work with," she said.
The program’s impact reaches beyond individual development. Nearly 75% of participants reported increased engagement with historically marginalized communities, enriching their perspectives and advancing SAP’s commitment to breaking unconscious biases and supporting social justice.
“At SAP, we believe in shared growth,” Booth said. “This program demonstrates how pro bono initiatives can drive innovation, boost employee satisfaction, and promote economic equity. It’s a win-win for our employees, the businesses we support, and society as a whole.”
By aligning employee development with social impact, companies not only prepare their workforce for the future but also support the long-term success of the businesses they collaborate with.
The moment has arrived for corporations to rethink their strategies and align them with the values of today’s purpose-driven workforce.
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