Does incentivizing an idea that has the potential for achieving a common good outcome really work? Shouldn’t we just start another nonprofit to address community or global problems, even big ones, such as the enormous waste generated via consumer projects in western culture?
The question is easily answered by watching Spark Tank Social Enterprise award winner Alyssa Ndombeson and her business Good Fill and her lifestyle brand GD.STWRD (short for Good Steward). Alyssa pitched in the FPU Center for Community Transformation (CCT) Spark Tank Pitch Fest, and was awarded close to $5,000 in start-up costs. She went on to attend the CCT’s two-month Social Enterprise Academy, where she further developed her business model and began working on her launch.
Christ-centered entrepreneurs believe that “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,” (Ps 24:1) and that humankind is called to steward the Earth, rather than exploit and degrade it. And so Alyssa’s business has found a way for people to meet their personal hygiene needs, their dental care, skin care, clothing care needs through non-wasteful means, by buying earth-friendly products in bulk without wasteful packaging. Her bricks and mortar store is 529 E. Shields between Fruit and Palm avenues, and her online store is here: https://goodfillfresno.square.site/
Recently GVwire news-service ran a feature of Alyssa’s social enterprise; you can access it here! https://gvwire.com/2022/01/24/want-to-try-a-zero-waste-lifestyle-fresno-shop-is-here-to-help/
The CCT is hosting online, Social Business Plan Workshop for entrepreneurs that have an idea for a social enterprise that accomplishes community benefit through a non-charity means, and might wish to pitch in the upcoming Spark Tank. Register now for the one coming up February 9: sbpw-2022.eventbrite.com. They are free, and you just might Learn what you need to be invited to pitch in the Spark Tank in March!
