Social Entrepreneurship: A Sustainable Business Model lesson from Assam based Social Enterprises

A sustainable business model reflects an approach towards doing business which ensures the sustenance of the entity through generation of revenue and project within the framework of the compliance of external and internal factors. Business has to operate in the relay of external factors such as environment and society and internal aspects which relate to the firm itself. These factors undergo change. The business model of an entity has to incorporate there in these changing phenomena. Externalities necessitate the firm to function in such a way not detrimental to environmental cleanliness and social welfare, which provide commitment and opportunities. Demographical changes play a key role on business growth. Internal factors relates to the firm’s vision and mission and strategies concerning location, procurement and utilization of resources, production and service process, economies of scale, matching of products and services with the target customers and operational efficiency, costs, revenue and pricing decision influence the commercial viability of the firm. Innovativeness, competitiveness, marketing and personal management including knowledge transfer have to be taken note of availability of products and ease of access, reliability (consistent quantity), visibility, openness in business operation, value chain and supply chain are vital. This paper deals with the significance of these issues and inters- linkages. An entity may be successful when the long- term interests of the stakeholders are considered which should be dovetailed into the business model. This paper examines the different types of business models adopted by firms and their merits and demerits in the context of the changing trends within and outside the firm. Suitable examples of companies operating globally and in the domestic field are given.