Social Enterprise through Acquisition (SETA) Project: Transforming Local Businesses into Sustainable Social Purpose Organizations

The Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador (CSCNL) aims to champion social and economic well-being in the province by fostering citizen engagement, encouraging social and economic progress, and leading research. With support from a student intern, CSCNL plans to develop the Social Enterprise Through Acquistion (SETA) project. The goal of this project is to address the challenge of preserving businesses in rural Newfoundland and Labrador while creating revenue diversification opportunities in the community sector, which will be achieved by facilitating the transformation of vital local, private businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) into sustainable social purpose organizations (SPOs) to bolster local economies and ensure the continuity of essential community services. With support from the student intern, CSCNL will provide non-profit organizations with expert advice on how to structure the acquisition of a business for the purpose of generating revenue to support a social purpose activity. This project also aims to support business owners by providing them with expert advice on how to structure the transition, financing options, and special support for business. If the application is successful, the student will support this project by: developing processes to support the acquisition process for both buyers and sellers; the development of a comprehensive database of organizations involved in the acquisition process; and, coordinating events and information sessions to disseminate knowledge and engage stakeholders.

Faculty Supervisor:

John Schouten

Student:

Partner:

Community Sector Council NL

Discipline:

Business

Sector:

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services; Other services (except public administration)

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program: