Short interview on the GGEW Crowd
Michael Gerken (FAIRPLAID) and Patricia Schlesing (GGEW) talk about the creation of the "GGEW Crowd"
Michael Gerken: Patricia, it's great that we can talk about the "GGEW Crowd" today. Please tell us what motivated you to set up this crowdfunding platform.
Patricia Schlesing: With pleasure, Michael. The idea for the "GGEW Crowd" came from a recommendation from Stadtwerke Pforzheim, which has already been working successfully with a similar concept for a long time. They pointed out the opportunities of crowdfunding to us and showed us how a platform like this can have a big impact locally. We were immediately convinced by the idea and developed a plan, which we presented to the management. The response was extremely positive, and so things took their course.
Michael Gerken: That sounds exciting. What challenges did you face in developing the platform?
Patricia Schlesing: The merger with another energy supplier two years ago was certainly a big step. This merger not only changed our structures, but we are also receiving more and more requests for new initiatives. We wanted to offer an answer to this demand with the "GGEW Crowd".
Michael Gerken: So you are not only active in the energy sector, but also in sponsoring - that sounds like a broad positioning. How does the "GGEW Crowd" fit into this strategy?
Patricia Schlesing: Exactly. We are active in many areas - from culture and sport to local initiatives. As a sponsor of the 1st division women's handball team and through our commitment to promoting culture, we know how important it is to strengthen the local sense of community. With the "GGEW Crowd", we would now like to offer an additional instrument with which people in our region can support their own projects and take action themselves.
Michael Gerken: That really is a great approach. How can you help specifically with the "GGEW Crowd"?
Patricia Schlesing: Our aim is to create a space in which local projects that have a positive impact on our region and the entire Bergstrasse district receive the support they deserve. Be it in the environmental, educational or social sector - with the "GGEW Crowd", we offer a platform that enables people here to get actively involved. Our aim with this initiative is not only to provide support, but also to initiate a genuine movement that will move the region forward.
Michael Gerken: That sounds like a great vision. We at FAIRPLAID are delighted to be working with you and realizing this platform.
Patricia Schlesing: I'm delighted too, Michael. It's great to be working with a partner like FAIRPLAID who offers exactly the technology and experience we need. Together we can make the "GGEW Crowd" a success and motivate even more people in Bensheim and beyond to get involved in their region.
Discover the new FAIRPLAID platform:
ggew-crowd.de
