<p> Distressed rural regions exist throughout the United States and the world. Various economic and social interventions have been made by governments, non-profit agencies, and other institutions to provide relief, often with limited results that were not sustainable. The support of entrepreneurs who start businesses that are locally owned and do not engage in business practices that create environmental and social hazards are seen as a central component in the revitalization distressed regions. However, local businesses often lack the resources that are available to large corporations. This study examined three rural organizations and their social networks in distressed regions of Central Appalachia. A series of interviews was conducted to identify the extent that these organizations provide social capital, marketing assistance, and other essential skills and resources otherwise unavailable to small, local businesses started by entrepreneurs. The results of this study show that networks do increase the number of sustainable enterprises and improve the triple bottom line in distressed regions as well as increase the availability of capital in those regions. Future study is recommended to examine alternative financial strategies for non-profit networks, methods to deepen network relationships, and innovative strategies to develop infrastructure that reduces dependency on outside capital and absentee ownership. </p>

<p> Several researchers have said that the real solution to alleviating, or at least reducing, the level of poverty is not to view poor people as customers; instead it is important to integrate these people into the value chain of Multi-national Corporations (Karnani, 2007; London, 2004; SEKN, 2001). The objective of this research work is to analyze how companies with sustainability initiatives can generate better individual performance through the creation of empowerment in the LIS. First I developed a theoretical framework after conducting 47 in-depth interviews with key participants of one sustainable initiative in Mexico. I found, initially, that other variables like trust, coping strategy and risk aversion can moderate the direct and positive relationship between psychological empowerment and individual performance. Then I applied the surveys to 204 participants of this sustainability initiative. To test the hypotheses, I used PLS-SEM and analyzed the surveys in two groups (Belong, N=85) and (Belonged, N=119). In both groups, I confirmed the positive relationship between psychological empowerment and individual performance, I found also that coping strategy moderates in both conditions of this relationship; however, I cannot demonstrate that risk aversion moderates in any condition. Finally, I demonstrate that trust moderates the relationship, also. Theoretical and managerial implications as well limitations and future research avenues are discussed.</p><p> Keywords: low-income sector, empowerment, performance, trust, coping strategy, risk aversion, social entrepreneurship, inclusive <b> business,</b> base of the pyramid.</p>

<p> In response to social and environmental concerns, a new type of entrepreneur has recently entered the research literature on sustainable development in business (Hall, Daneke, &amp; Lenox, 2010). Sustainability entrepreneurs are guided by a strong set of values that place environmental and social well-being before materialistic growth (Abrahamsson, 2007; Choi &amp; Gray, 2008; Parrish &amp; Foxon, 2009; Schaltegger &amp; Wagner, 2011; Young &amp; Tilley, 2006). For them, business success is about maintaining financial stability, while enhancing community and improving the health of our planet. This is reflected in their business design, processes, and work culture. Sustainability entrepreneurs are committed to making business decisions that reduce their carbon footprint, promote local or fair trade, support employee wellness, and give back to the community. </p><p> This social phenomenological study explores the lifeworld structures of six women in Calgary who are running small businesses based on sustainability principles. Drawing on the work of Alfred Sch&uuml;tz (1967, 1970a, 1970b; Sch&uuml;tz &amp; Luckmann, 1973), it examines their typifications, stocks of knowledge, and motives, as well as notions of intersubjectivity and spatiality or lived space. From the findings, three Sch&uuml;tzian puppets or personal ideal types are constructed to personify values of community, quality, connection, and environmental preservation. Ms. A.L.L. Green, Ms. Carin Relationships, and Ms. I.N. Tentional characterize aspects of the female sustainability entrepreneur that were identified by participants as central to their motives and actions. Together, they form a new general ideal type called the integrative entrepreneur. The integrative entrepreneur personifies the unique contributions of the women interviewed, and extends our understanding of sustainability entrepreneurship in meaningful ways.</p>

This research has explored the business model and business model innovation in the context of the healthy food venture (HFV). The HFV is defined as an organised initiative that aims to improve people's health by encouraging healthy food consumption. This research has grown out of the need to find new ways of tackling the public health issues that stem from the way food is currently produced and consumed. Scholars increasingly suggest that business model innovation helps business practitioners to achieve specific value outcomes. Thought leaders increasingly call for new business models to solve the health problems stemming from the food system. However, the literature fails to offer theory and practical guidance about how to design and manage the business models of HFVs. The research seeks to answer two research questions: 1) what are the challenges faced by HFVs? and 2) how do HFVs innovate their business models? The purpose of this research is to help HFVs create multiple (both social and economic) value outcomes. One objective of the research is to contribute to the knowledge about healthy food intervention and more specifically, healthy food intervention through business models. Another objective of the research is to contribute to practice and offer practitioners tools that help them to operate successful HFVs. The research questions and objectives aligned with a qualitative approach. The researcher answered the research questions by studying a sample of HFVs using action research, autoethnography and traditional case study methodologies. The research has produced specific insights and tools that can help HFV practitioners and scholars. The insights highlight the multiplicity of value that is embedded within food. Its value richness creates both opportunities and challenges for HFVs. The research has developed a context-specific business model framework-the Business Model Blossom (BMB), and has also led to the development of a business model innovation language that complements the Business Model Blossom-the Negative Value Diagnostics (NVDs). Besides these specific insights and tools, the research has challenged the current business model literature as to the precision of the business model and business model innovation concepts. It has created future research opportunities for implementing and refining the Business Model Blossom and Negative Value Diagnostics with HFV practitioners, as well as practitioners from other industries.

Šímová, Jana. 2015. Sustainability of social enterprises supported by Call no. 30 of the global grant HREOP Social Economy. Diploma Thesis. Prague: Faculty of Humanities, Charles University. The diploma thesis focuses on the sustainability of social enterprises founded by NGOs after the end of their projects supported by the Call no. 30 HREOP "Social Economy". The first part contains the theoretical definition of the concepts of social economy and social entrepreneurship and conception of social enterprise in the Czech environment. More attention is paid to work integration social enterprises. The concept of sustainability of social enterprises is presented from the perspective of international research and also the only one Czech survey on this subject - Evaluation of Supporting Social and Inclusive Entrepreneurship in HREOP. The research examined the ability of 11 work integration social enterprises to operate their business after the end of financial support from HREOP. The research is also analysing other support possibilities for social enterprises. All surveyed enterprises operate after the end of the project and most of them are financially self-sufficient or at least heading to it. They would, however, appreciate further support, ideally in another form than additional grant. There is...

No description available.