Community Supported Enterprise (CSE)
With no access to capital, and banks tightening up, we are realizing that our best bet to not only stay afloat but actually begin to thrive in the coming year is to turn to our friends & customers who understand our value in the community.
It’s an investment strategy called Community Supported Enterprise with success models for cafe’s just like ours. (Listen to NPR’s coverage of The Bee’s Knees revival in Vermont.)
We are looking to increase our capitalization right now through donations and unique investment options to keep us afloat during the planning of our expansion and to finance the eco-deck that will stabilize our operation & ensure it’s success with immense value to so many stakeholders in our community, including the other businesses lining Thornton Ave.
Resources & Articles
Community Supported Enterprises
This concept responds to the idea that many businesses…play an irreplaceable part in community life that isn’t captured in the daily sales transactions. Customers and community members are willing to honor that role through creative financial support that can take many forms.
My Best Investments Are Down The Street
Social activist and local living economies advocate shares her investment secrets
Invest Locally: Put Your Money Where Your Life Is
Americans want to invest locally: here’s how.
Community Investment: It’s Classic
Ideas for sustainable investment
