Abstract

Learning Outcomes

This case study explores the challenges of managing and scaling a social enterprise startup with limited financial resources. It aims to help students understand how to prioritize competing business needs while ensuring sustainable growth. Students will analyze resource allocation strategies and evaluate the trade-offs between investment in infrastructure, branding, and recruitment. They will also examine the role of social impact in business decision-making, particularly in engaging and supporting vulnerable women farmers. Additionally, the case highlights the importance of financial planning and revenue generation to sustain operations beyond initial grant funding.

Case Synopsis

Nature’s Pride Sunflower Oil Processing is a project run by Sisters of Mary of Kakamega in Uganda. The Sisters had received a grant of 120,000,000 Ugandan Shillings from a social enterprise fund. The Sisters had applied for this grant six months prior to this day from a funder who was really interested in the vision for Nature’s Pride despite the social enterprise being in the start-up phase. With the grant money at hand, many competing needs to fill their minds with what to focus on. The major priority was to recruit 200 vulnerable women sunflower farmers to sell to Nature’s Pride. The next priority was to fix the current challenges facing the venture including procuring automated drying facilities, processing facilities, formalizing the venture, hiring competent staff to manage the venture, creating a recognizable brand with proper packaging. The grant alone would not be enough to fund all these priorities and the sisters needed to sell more sunflower oil and cake.

Complexity/ Academic level

This case may be taught to undergraduate and executive education participants in social entrepreneurship. The information provided is suitable for in-class discussions on how to run a start-up in the social entrepreneurship space.

Supplementary Materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Keywords

Social Entrepreneurship.

Citation

Njaramba, F., Njiraini, N., & Ndunge, A. (2024). Running a social enterprise: Nature’s Pride Sunflower Oil Processing. In Strathmore Africa Case Center. Strathmore Africa Case Centre. https://doi.org/10.70268/sacc-10-24-31

Publisher: Strathmore Africa Case Centre

Copyright © 2024, Strathmore Africa Case Centre

Category : Case

Author : Faith Njaramba,Angela Ndunge,Nancy Njiraini

Publisher : Strathmore University

Document ID : SACC-10-24-31