Understanding the Business Model of Kapwa Greens Enterprise and its Role in Social Development

Authors

  • Nenita Directo
  • Ma. Tatiana Amat
  • Jericho Kua
  • Jean Tanalega

Keywords:

business model, greens enterprise, social development

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In the last decade or so, there has been a growing interest in an area that Entrepreneurship is generally characterized as the exploitation of an opportunity in order to create value. There has been an unexpected wave of growth in social entrepreneurship globally (Bornstein, 2004). This growth is followed by a number of researches in the field. Academic research has been mainly focused on defining what social entrepreneurship is, what it does and does not have in common with commercial entrepreneurial activity (Nicholls, 2006).

METHODS

This research is conducted on Kapwa Greens Enterprise, a social enterprise in the Philippines and is directed to understand its business model. Primary data is collected from interviews with the people managing the enterprise as well as with the community it serves. Secondary data comes from books, articles, journals and websites. The data are analyzed with grounded theory method. By completing the Business Model Canvas, the objective of this research is to understand business model of Kapwa Greens Enterprise as a means of fulfilling its social mission and ensuring sustainability. Description of the impact of the enterprise had been provided. Business models are designed and executed in specific environments.

RESULTS

Kapwa Greens' Tsaa Laya production started at the Calauan Resettlement Community, a resettlement site for the victims of typhoon Ondoy. It established a tea-making plant at Calauan Resettlement Community and produced Tsaa Laya. They initially worked with the support of the community leaders and caretakers, the Don Bosco Fathers and the Ayala Foundation. Together, they transformed 3 housing units into a tea plant. As opposed to other enterprises starting up in the area where they provide jobs are provided to the people by hiring them, Kapwa Greens introduced partnerships with the community members. They offered, not only jobs, but a livelihood where the community feel ownership of the enterprise.

DISCUSSIONS

It is important to take note that in developing a good understanding of the organization's environment will help conceive a stronger and more competitive business models. Kapwa Greens made significant contributions to the lives of its community partners, the "nanays." The impact may not yet be quantitatively significant, but it can be said that it is qualitatively significant to the people it implored, to their families and immediate community.

Published

2019-01-18