Community-based entrepreneurship is seen as an important tool for realizing the potential in marginalized and disadvantaged communities that are cut off from the mainstream economy, as well as for social upliftment. Cultural values, shared resources, connections, and mutual trust are beneficial to the community and are nurtured through close personal relationships. Entrepreneurial activities that create local public goods for a community have a comparative advantage over activities that are solely market-oriented.
Define community entrepreneur
Community entrepreneurs are one or more self-employed individuals that build or manage an online or offline community space where members can congregate to discuss similar interests and goals. These individuals recognized that community members might be a very engaged and focused target audience; therefore, they sought ways to profit financially from the group while also offering value to the members and maintaining the complicated web of connections that makes up the community. When entrepreneurs first launch their product to the market, they usually focus on each new customer. This challenge does not exist because community entrepreneurs begin their business journey with an engaged, loyal, and trustworthy audience, this challenge does not exist. Of course, not just anyone with a Facebook group can achieve that – only those with strong, active communities that provide tremendous value to their members can.
How entrepreneurs can enhance communities
A business won’t succeed if it exists in a vacuum. Any potential person who wants to become an entrepreneur can take the lead in contributing to local communities in a variety of ways, whether it is a web-based corporation with no local roots, a small business established in one area, or a real estate company operating across multiple regions. As an entrepreneur, you can help enhance your community’s economy by the following methods.
Entrepreneurs can support nonprofit communities
Consider sponsoring a deserving group as a firm, whether you are involved with a nonprofit organization through your own personal efforts as an entrepreneur or are simply seeking new ways to give back. You may attend events like startups give back to meet firms that require your assistance as a business coach. Many community nonprofit organizations are searching for corporate sponsors to help with major events and administrative expenditures. They will use their marketing efforts to publicize your charity, which will help you gain more recognition in the community. As a big sponsor, you can also promote the organization in your own marketing materials.
Entrepreneurs can create a company concept that benefits other members of the community
Consider contributing a portion of your income from each sale if you work in retail or any other form of product sales business. If you’re in the service industry, you may create a company model that donates a portion of your profits to a charity or other nonprofit activities. The idea is to automate the donation to a charitable organization so that all consumers and clients are aware that a percentage of their purchase goes to a good cause.
Entrepreneurs contribute to the community’s economy
Make a commitment to purchase supplies and raw materials from local vendors, as well as partner with local businesses for services and other business-related purchases. Your purchases and investments will benefit the local economy, and you may receive recommendations from business owners with whom you do business. As you expand and grow your firm, cultivate strong ties with these vendors and partners to establish a good reputation.
By attracting foot traffic and tourism, new businesses, properties, and even green spaces such as parks can improve a community. New visitors will spend money at local shops, boosting the economy.