Sustainable Business Models

In the previous part, we introduced you to the secrets of a business model. As you may have noticed, it is a way of thinking that not that difficult in its essence. Rather, it is a way of looking at possibilities and organising action/change. Some were born with this entrepreneurial perspective; others need some practice at this way of reasoning.

Why are business models so important for social entrepreneurs and changemakers? Because they help you think in an efficient way to transform plans and purposes into practice.

In the previous part, we went into the essentials of a business model to make the basics very clear and to practice with them. In this part we can go further with some variations on (mainly) the Business Model Canvas, which might be appealing to you as a social entrepreneur. The sustainable business models that we discuss here also have an explicit focus on non-financial-economic components such as ecology and social impact. We invite you to go through these variations, and note which one you prefer.

20 minutes

This introductory lesson will take you approximately 20 minutes to work through, that is, if you just follow the explanations.

70 minutes

With additional reading this lesson should take you in total about 70 minutes to complete.

4 hours

With additional reading and a review of the academic articles and advanced concepts, this lesson will take you approximately 4 hours to complete.

We hope you will make your business plan as sustainable as possible!
Enjoy!