Developing a Business Model Canvas for a Sustainable Social Enterprise

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis focuses on the development of a Business Model Canvas (BMC) tailored specifically for sustainable social enterprises. The growing importance of social entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices necessitates the need for a comprehensive framework that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities faced by social enterprises. The objective of this research is to provide a structured approach for social entrepreneurs to design, evaluate, and refine their business models to achieve both social impact and financial sustainability. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the background of the study, the problem statement, research objectives, limitations, scope, significance of the study, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review covering ten key aspects related to business model development, social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the Business Model Canvas framework. In Chapter 3, the research methodology is detailed, encompassing the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, and ethical considerations. This chapter also includes information on the development and validation of the proposed BMC for sustainable social enterprises. Chapter 4 presents the findings of the research, offering an in-depth discussion of the developed Business Model Canvas for sustainable social enterprises. The chapter highlights practical applications, case studies, and implementation strategies to demonstrate the effectiveness and relevance of the proposed framework. Finally, Chapter 5 concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, implications for theory and practice, contributions to the field of social entrepreneurship, and recommendations for future research. The thesis concludes by emphasizing the importance of adopting a structured approach to business model development for sustainable social enterprises to create lasting social impact and financial viability. Overall, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge in the fields of social entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices by offering a practical tool that empowers social entrepreneurs to effectively design and manage their business models for long-term success and positive social change.