Homelessness is a complex and pressing issue. It affects millions of people around the globe. Moreover, it is a condition that is often seriously misunderstood and stigmatized, and as well often seen as a personal failing rather than a systemic problem.
Corresponding to the Harvard Business Case Study “Creating a purpose-driven organization”, we (EMPOWERLIFE, a fictive company) have a clear purpose: to positively impact the lives of homeless individuals. EMPOWERLIFE is committed to provide immediate assistance while empowering them to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. We venture to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every person feels a sense of belonging. By aligning individual values with our organization's purpose, EMPOWERLIFE foster a motivated team that understands their role in realizing our mission. Together, we work unremittingly to offer resources, chances, and support, ensuring that no one is left behind. Join us in creating a meaningful change and bring-ing hope to those in need.
The goal within this report is to create an idea and plan for social entrepreneurship. During that, the experiences and creative moments of this spring semesters course: “Cross-Cultural Creativity and Entrepreneurship” will be applied. To explain and pitch the chosen idea, this report is structured into four main chapters including the introduction. After the introduction, in the second chapter, the target group will be the subject. The main focus in this chapter is to analyse the situation and the market. Based on that, the third chapter is about my personal reasons and motivation to choose this particular group. Subsequently, the last chapter, chapter four, is about the business concept including all creative solutions and ideas which are planned.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Target Group
2.1 General Analysis
2.2 Limited Target Group
2.3 Competitive Analysis
3 Personal Reasons
4 Business Concept
4.1 Vision
4.2 Branding
4.3 Key Activities: Creative Solutions
4.4 Financing
4.4.1 Fundraising
4.4.2 Contracts
4.4.3 Key Partnerships
4.5 Expansion Idea
4.6 Creative Investment
Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this report is to develop a structured business plan for a social entrepreneurship venture aimed at empowering homeless individuals. The research addresses the systemic issue of homelessness by proposing creative, sustainable solutions for vocational integration and long-term societal reintegration.
- Analysis of the current homelessness situation and market dynamics in Germany.
- Development of specialized support services, including job training and cultural integration.
- Creation of a sustainable business model based on strategic partnerships and contracts.
- Conceptualization of a scalable expansion strategy within urban, high-density areas.
Excerpt from the Book
Personal Reasons
In this chapter, I want to state my personal reasons for choosing this minority group. First of all, I have a bachelor´s degree in Real Estate. In addition, my current major in my master´s degree is Construction Management. Consequently, buildings including any kind of residential buildings and social facilities are related or even based on my area of profession. And that is exactly what homeless people are missing. In my opinion, a flat is a absolutely essential basic need and everybody, no matter how bad their personal or financial situation is, should have a roof over their head. The reality, unfortunately, looks different.
The basic law of the federal republic of Germany in Article 1 (1) says: “Die Würde des Menschen ist unantastbar. Sie zu achten und zu schützen ist Verpflichtung aller staatlichen Gewalt.“ Translated into english: “The dignity of every human being is inviolable. To respect and protect it is the obligation of all state authority.“ However, the very same is violated or at least endangered by the situation homeless people are confronted with every day.
Chapter Summary
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the challenges surrounding homelessness and presents the mission of the organization EMPOWERLIFE.
2 Target Group: Analyzes the demographics of the homeless population in Germany and defines the specific target group for the proposed business activities.
3 Personal Reasons: Explores the author's professional motivation and ethical considerations for addressing homelessness through the lens of construction management and human dignity.
4 Business Concept: Details the vision, branding, specific key activities (e.g., job training, creative integration), financing models, and expansion strategies for the proposed venture.
Keywords
Social entrepreneurship, homelessness, empowerment, vocational integration, Cologne, Germany, business concept, social impact, sustainable development, housing, vocational training, fundraising, corporate vision, branding, social services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core purpose of this report?
The report aims to create a viable business plan for a social enterprise called EMPOWERLIFE, which seeks to empower homeless individuals by providing them with the resources needed to reintegrate into society.
Which specific target groups does the organization address?
The organization focuses on homeless individuals in Germany within the employable age range of 18 to 59 years, ensuring they receive tailored support for vocational reintegration.
What is the primary research question or goal?
The primary goal is to pitch an entrepreneurship idea that moves beyond temporary assistance, focusing instead on long-term dignity and sustained career opportunities for the homeless.
Which methodologies are used in this study?
The study utilizes data analysis of homelessness statistics, a competitive analysis of existing social NPOs, and the application of management and design theories to develop a sustainable business model.
What are the main components of the business concept?
The business concept includes a vision-driven approach, personalized personality-based job matching, job training, creative cultural workshops, and a sustainable financing setup involving commissions on future salaries.
How is the venture financed?
Financing relies on a mix of traditional fundraising, social media crowdfunding, and a sustainable contractual model where a percentage of the participant's future salary is reinvested back into the program.
Why was Cologne chosen as the initial location?
Cologne was selected due to its high population density and its strategic location in North Rhine-Westphalia, which offers significant long-term potential for expansion within the "Ruhrgebiet" metropolitan region.
How does EMPOWERLIFE address the limitations of traditional homeless shelters?
It aims to provide personal empowerment, dignified solutions, and professional job placement services that avoid the issues associated with traditional shelters, such as lack of safety or rigid prohibitions.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Franko Krech (Autor:in), 2023, Fostering social change by empowering homeless people through social entrepreneurship, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1547344
