Revitalizing PLACE through Social Enterprise

by Natalie Slawinski (editor), Brennan Lowery (Editor), Ario Seto (Editor)

Around the world, rural and urban communities alike face growing socio-economic and environmental challenges. Confronted with mounting threats of climate change, food insecurity, resource depletion, and inequality, local leaders are increasingly leveraging place-based social enterprises to reimagine and reshape the future. This volume introduces the PLACE Framework as a novel approach for exploring how such enterprises tackle challenges and work to revitalize their places. Born out of engaged research in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, the PLACE Framework offers principles and lessons for community development, highlighting the importance of P romoting community leaders; L inking divergent perspectives; A mplifying local capacities and assets; C onveying compelling stories; and E ngaging both/and thinking. Collaboratively written by academics and practitioners, this volume offers case studies of place-based social enterprises in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, drawing on the lived experience of social entrepreneurs and community leaders to show the diverse ways the PLACE Framework can be applied to help create more sustainable futures.

340 pages, Paperback

Published December 15, 2023

Reviews

[Ankit Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book delves into the concept of PLACE (People, Land, Art, Culture, and Environment) as a framework for understanding and promoting sustainable development. Through a series of case studies and analyses, the editors and contributors showcase how social enterprises can serve as catalysts for positive change in various communities around the world.

One of the key strengths of the book is its interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from fields such as economics, sociology, geography, and environmental studies. This multifaceted perspective allows for a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding community revitalization and social entrepreneurship.

The case studies presented in the book cover a wide range of topics, including urban renewal, sustainable agriculture, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. Each case study provides valuable lessons and best practices that can be applied to other contexts, making this book a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers alike.

Overall, "Revitalizing PLACE through Social Enterprise" is a thought-provoking and informative read that highlights the potential of social enterprise to transform communities and create a more sustainable future. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of business and social change.