A team of 5 MBA students worked with The Malini Foundation , a nonprofit social enterprise that advances the interests of girls and women in Sri Lanka through quality education, livelihood initiatives that allow women to learn trade skills, and by bringing their voices to the international community. The goal is to develop a unique product that results in strong sales in the US and the profits are used as part of a self-sufficiency effort for the broader organization. The students created a channel strategy and go-to-market approach for unique designer bags that are developed as part of the women's livelihood program in Sri Lanka.

Company/Division/Operating Group Description:

The Malini Foundation is a nonprofit social enterprise that advances the interests of girls and women in Sri Lanka through quality education, empowerment and by bringing their voices to the international community.
Women’s Livelihood program: The foundation provides livelihood initiatives for women, fostering their empowerment. By providing women training that allows them to learn trade skills, they can reach economic empowerment and financial independence. Many times, this financial independence and newfound empowerment allows them to escape poverty and helps them provide a better life for themselves and their family. The goal is that they develop a unique product that results in strong sales in the US and the profits are used as part of a self-sufficiency effort for the broader organization.

Business Issue to be Addressed:

MBA+ developed our branding strategy and now we need to develop the go-to-market strategy including the channel strategy.

Specific Scope for this McCombs Project

Go-to-market strategy

Channel strategy: Define distribution channels, partners and retailers within target channels to pursue. Financial business model: Determine financial opportunity, timelines, costs. stage gates to achieve product launch, budget, revenue projections.