Abstract

Learning Outcomes

This case study explores the challenges of funding and sustaining a social business while balancing economic and social objectives. It aims to help students understand the complexity of social business model innovation and how entrepreneurial strategies can support long-term sustainability. Students will analyze different funding approaches for social ventures and evaluate strategic decision-making in resource allocation. They will also examine the trade-offs between financial sustainability and social impact in mission-driven organizations. Additionally, the case highlights the importance of innovation in social enterprise growth.

Case Synopsis

St. Charles Borromeo Pre & Primary School is a school run by sisters of St. Charles Borromeo in Nile region, Northern Uganda. Sr. Beatrice is the school head teacher. The school is looking for an innovative way to fund their social business while meeting economic and social needs. The school has been in existence for slightly more than a year and has gotten 130 students against a target of 500 students by year 5, when the sisters projected it would breakeven. Sr. Beatrice has to decide on how to innovatively fund the school while keeping within the competing objectives of the school. The key learning outcome for this case is to demonstrate the complexity of social business model innovations. This case was tested in a brown bag session on 20th November 2023.

Complexity/ Academic level

This case may be taught to undergraduate, graduate and executive education participants in entrepreneurship, strategy and social business innovation classes. The information provided is suitable for in-class discussions on how to fund a social venture.

Supplementary Materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Keywords

Entrepreneurship, Strategy, Social venture and social business innovation.

Citation

Njaramba, F., Njiraini, N., & Ndunge, A. (2024). Funding a Social Business Innovatively. The Story of St. Charles Borromeo Pre & Primary School. In Strathmore Africa Case Center. Strathmore Africa Case Centre. https://doi.org/10.70268/sacc-10-24-30

Publisher: Strathmore Africa Case Centre

Copyright © 2024, Strathmore Africa Case Centre

Category : Case

Author : Faith Njaramba, Nancy Njiraini, Angela Ndunge

Publisher : Strathmore University

Document ID : SACC-10-24-30