Non-profit organisations; Emerging markets; HIV / AIDS; South Africa; Retailing; Exporting; Marketing competencies

Monkeybiz is a registered not-for-profit organisation (NPO), which aims to alleviate poverty for South African township beadworkers. Besides financially empowering these women, it offers health care and nutritional support to HIV / AIDS infected workers. Monkeybiz differs from most local NPOs. For the past nine years, it has chosen to generate funds from its retail and wholesale business rather than from local government agencies, sponsors and donors. Its customised, 'soulful' yet contemporary products target people with a social conscience and interest in social change. To facilitate market expansion globally, it sells artworks to collectors, corporates, and retail customers. Exported artworks cater to galleries, museums, exhibitions and craft fairs, and considered artworks of matchless value and 'run of the mill' merchandise such as dolls, animals, coasters, and placemats are sold at local and international retail stores. Its directors have a carefree, empathic, and passionate leadership style. Its organisational structure is mostly centralised and its reward systems emphasise 'doing good' for the local community rather than monetary compensation. The organisation is sales-oriented. It mostly depends on the main director to seize contracts from her art world contacts, and retail stores to sell its unique South African products to tourists. Monkeybiz is faced with several challenges. The Norwegian government has withdrawn support for the HIV / AIDS clinic after its initial donor funding. The business does not have qualified people to fundraise and market its mission and brand. It does not have customer databases to interact with its existing customers. In order to overcome these marketing and fundraising challenges, Monkeybiz has begun publishing a second book and establishing a USA board of directors.