Is Aspire CoffeeWorks a social enterprise under the various definitions summarized at the beginning of this chapter?
- What was the asset that Aspire of Illinois leveraged to create a source of earned income from Aspire CoffeeWorks? Was that asset something it had, something it did, something it knew, or some combination of these?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Yes, Aspire CoffeeWorks qualifies as a social enterprise under various definitions of the term. Social enterprises are organizations that apply commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well-being, often by addressing social issues through market-based approaches. Aspire CoffeeWorks, established in 2009 through a partnership between Aspire of Illinois and Metropolis Coffee Company, embodies this model by integrating adults with disabilities into the workforce and reinvesting 100% of its net proceeds into Aspire’s programs and services .
Asset Leveraged by Aspire of Illinois
Aspire of Illinois leveraged a combination of its existing assets to create a source of earned income through Aspire CoffeeWorks. These assets include:
- Organizational Expertise and Mission: Aspire had decades of experience supporting individuals with disabilities, providing a deep understanding of their needs and the services required to support them.
- Human Capital: The organization had access to a community of adults with disabilities seeking employment opportunities, which became the workforce for Aspire CoffeeWorks.
- Strategic Partnerships: Aspire formed a partnership with Metropolis Coffee Company, an established artisan coffee roaster, combining Aspire’s social mission with Metropolis’s industry expertise.
- Brand and Community Engagement: Aspire utilized its reputation and community connections to market the coffee products, emphasizing the social impact of each purchase.
By integrating these assets—what it had (human and organizational resources), what it did (service provision and community engagement), and what it knew (expertise in supporting individuals with disabilities)—Aspire created a sustainable business model that generates income while advancing its social mission. This multifaceted approach exemplifies how non-profit organizations can leverage their unique strengths to develop successful social enterprises.
