The Shorefast Foundation is a charitable organization that aims to spark a rural renaissance and promote economic and cultural resilience in the isolated communities of Fogo Island and Change Islands, Newfoundland, Canada, using a social entrepreneurship model. The cases also highlight the importance of rural places as repositories of local knowledge, culture and traditions. The two Shorefast cases illustrate the initial formation of the Foundation and the implementation issues surrounding the building of a multimillion dollar five star Inn. They are best used together as a series, but can be used independently as well. Case A provides information about the socioeconomic background of Fogo Island as well as an in depth profile of the founder of the Shorefast Foundation, Zita Cobb. The case illustrates how the founder of an organization can shape an organization’s goals, vision, and beliefs. It also describes the model of social entrepreneurship that was being proposed and the organizational structure of the Shorefast Foundation and its affiliates as it stood before the construction of the revenue-generating Inn.
Learning Objective
- Introduce the concept of business models in general and explore the differences between ‘traditional’ and ‘social entrepreneurship’ business models
- Help students understand the link between a founder’s values, beliefs and objectives (managerial preferences) and strategy formulation and implementation
- Introduce students to the organizational challenges involved in social entrepreneurship and the tensions to be negotiated between environmental, economic and social goals
Keywords
Social Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneur, Leadership, Strategy, Non-profit Organization, Business Model, Sustainability, Non-profit, Tourism, General Management
Available Languages
English
Related material
Teaching note
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