Grassroots

About the organisation 

Grassroots Agro-Industrial Corp. 's main business is to process or produce and market organic farm inputs. They provide farmers with quality, farming inputs that contribute to production resource rehabilitation, climate change adaptation and disaster risk-reduction.

 

The business case
Grassroots contacted SharePeople to find an expert who could assess and develop their marketing plan and help them to evaluate the performance of their business and cooperative as well. The case was matched with Henk Prevaes who has experience with developing business plans and marketing plans and working with cooperatives. (in the Philippines)

 

Results
Analysis
Henk was one week devoted to analyse the business case. He did a branch and competition analysis, a customer analysis and a financial analysis. The second week he was occupied with drawing up of a marketing plan. Afterwards he held a presentation to the board for the approval of the budget.

Major conclusions 
The business is closer to reach break-even than expected by director and with little increase in sales the company will become profitable. The market potential and potential for growth very high The company has not really engaged in any marketing activities but there are good possibilities and the little budget which is needed is available.  

Advice
They should increase customer base by:

• increasing brand awareness, by specific advertising;
• engage in regular promotional activities
• establish outlet in major markets in Northern Negros

Further on, the management of the company can strengthen by improving support systems (management information system and a customer relations database)

Henk Prevaes: " I connected to clients and brought new focus to the business!"

Concrete deliverables
- Narrative report of the work and presentation to management and board

- Revised proforma financial statement
- adjusted depreciation schedule
- Final business and marketing plan

Follow up  

This is a start of a two-year partnership between SharePeople and Grassroots Agro-Industrial Corp.  Both organisations will keep in touch (a.o. via the SharePeople liaison, at least every 3 months). The expert is available for advice in future developments.