Asset-Based Community Enterprise Development in Bolivia

This cross-sectoral research project will track the process of supporting four nascent community-based enterprises (CBEs) in indigenous communities in the Bolivian highlands, examining the complex interaction of factors that contribute to successful CBEs. The four cases will provide a test of an innovative “Community-Based Enterprise Development Model” (CBED Model) as a method to facilitate and generate self-defined, community-led sustainable development with indigenous peoples that can be applied in Bolivia, other Andean countries, and potentially with immigrant or First Nations populations in Canada. The Canadian industry partner is seeking to support sustainable community development initiatives with marginalized populations as part of their emerging corporate social responsibility strategy. This research will allow them to assess the potential impact of the CBED Model with a minimal initial investment, before moving forward to funding and supporting this model on a wider scale.

Intern: 
Gretchen Hernandez
Faculty Supervisor: 
Dr.Mark Roseland
Project Year: 
2014
Province: 
British Columbia
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Program: