Industry
Entrepreneurship & Innovation Ecosystem Development
Objective
Robust and scalable platform that streamlined the entire grant disbursement process
Innovation Village is a prominent launchpad for innovators and entrepreneurs. Founded in 2015, we have been at the forefront of driving social and economic transformation through innovation. Since inception, it has empowered over 5,000 startups who’ve gone on to raise almost $100m in funding and created 200,000 jobs. Innovation Village collaborates with different organizations, including the World Bank, UNCDF, and MercyCorps, to expand their impact and provide diverse opportunities.
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Foster Akugri
Lead, Africa Business & Expansion, Innovation Village
the Challenge
Innovation Village had a client who needed a seamless and efficient way to disburse grant funding to a growing number of beneficiaries spread across multiple countries. Traditional methods proved cumbersome, slow, and presented logistical challenges related to varying local regulations, banking infrastructure, and the sheer volume of transactions. Innovation Village needed a solution that could handle micro-grants, small to medium-sized grants, and even larger grants, while providing real-time transparency and maintaining compliance. Furthermore, the client required a partner who was responsive, adaptable, and able to customize the platform to their specific needs.
the Solution
Startbutton provided a robust and scalable platform that streamlined the entire grant disbursement processes. This included customizable workflows tailored to Innovation Village's specific approval processes and fund disbursement requirements, accommodating various grant sizes and program structures.
The platform integrated smoothly with Innovation Village's existing systems, minimizing disruption and ensuring data accuracy. Startbutton facilitated transactions across multiple African currencies, simplifying cross-border payments and reducing foreign exchange complexities. Both Innovation Village and their client gained access to real-time transaction data and comprehensive reporting, providing full transparency and enabling effective program monitoring.
Startbutton provided 24/7 technical support, ensuring prompt resolution of any issues and maintaining uninterrupted service. This responsiveness proved invaluable, particularly during periods of network instability in certain regions. Startbutton’s Merchant of Record services enabled Innovation Village and their client to rapidly expand into new markets without the complexities of establishing local legal entities or banking relationships.
the Result
Since implementing Start Button, Innovation Village has achieved remarkable results. Millions of dollars in grants have been disbursed to over 800 beneficiaries in less than a year, significantly accelerating the funding process and empowering entrepreneurs across Africa. Start Button has enabled Innovation Village and their clients to seamlessly expand their programs into new markets, including Ghana and Nigeria, without logistical or regulatory hurdles. This has allowed them to support even more entrepreneurs and amplify their impact.
The streamlined workflow provided by Start Button has dramatically improved the efficiency of grant disbursement, freeing up Innovation Village and their client to focus on program management and beneficiary support. Real-time tracking and reporting provided by Start Button has increased transparency and accountability, building trust among beneficiaries and stakeholders. Innovation Village has lauded Start Button's responsiveness, adaptability, and commitment to customer success, highlighting their willingness to customize the platform and provide exceptional support. This strong partnership has been instrumental in the success of the grant disbursement program. Innovation Village continues to leverage Start Button to empower African entrepreneurs and drive positive change across the continent.
