BUSINESS LEGACIES INITIATIVE

BUSINESS LEGACIES INITIATIVE

BUSINESS LEGACIES INITIATIVE

If you are a non-profit thinking about starting a social enterprise, why not acquire one instead?

Did you know:

 

  • Over 700,000 Canadian small businesses are at risk of closing due to lack of buyers
  • 32% of non-profit revenues come from earned income, with social enterprise becoming a core approach

Business Legacies Initiative is a research and innovation initiative exploring how to:

  • address succession and transition challenges facing small business owners,
  • support non-profits to explore business acquisition as a social enterprise strategy, and;
  • ensure that essential goods, services and employment provided by local businesses remain in communities.

The goal of the Business Legacies initiative is to understand the challenges and opportunities for business to community business transition; develop processes, resources and training to assist; and identify initial pilots to support through the process.

Since 2019, Scale Institute and Royal Roads University have been developing research, tools and resources to support non-profit acquisition and community wealth.

RESEARCH

Transitions of Small Businesses to Non-Profit and Community Ownership: Business Legacies Initiative Literature Review

Survey of Non-Profits and Small Businesses: Business Legacies Initiative Survey Summary

CASE STUDIES

Workers Co-Operative
Buys A Maker Space

Carleton Road Industries
Buys a Business to Support Its Mission

Community Futures
Alberni-Clayoquot
Buys a Candy Store

Fernwood NRG
Buys a Hair Salon

Island Crisis Care Society
Buys a Bakery

Theatre SKAM
Buys a Theatre School

Pathway to a Successful Business Purchase Toolkit

In July 2021, the partnership launched a comprehensive toolkit called “Pathway to a Successful Business Purchase”. Adapted from Venture Connect’s buyer’s workbook of the same name, the toolkit is the first of its kind in Canada to address the unique challenges and needs of the non-profit sector. The workbook was updated in July 2024.

In July 2021, the partnership launched a comprehensive toolkit called “Pathway to a Successful Business Purchase” (PSBP Toolkit). Adapted from Venture Connect’s buyer’s workbook of the same name, the PSBP Toolkit is the first of its kind in Canada to address the unique challenges and needs of the non-profit sector.

Pathway to a Successful Business Purchase Toolkit

In July 2021, the partnership launched a comprehensive toolkit called “Pathway to a Successful Business Purchase” (PSBP Toolkit). Adapted from Venture Connect’s buyer’s workbook of the same name, the PSBP Toolkit is the first of its kind in Canada to address the unique challenges and needs of the non-profit sector. The workbook was updated in July 2024.

In July 2021, the partnership launched a comprehensive toolkit called “Pathway to a Successful Business Purchase” (PSBP Toolkit). Adapted from Venture Connect’s buyer’s workbook of the same name, the PSBP Toolkit is the first of its kind in Canada to address the unique challenges and needs of the non-profit sector.

INFORMATION SESSIONS AND WEBINARS

Rising Economy 2024

JUNE 2022

JUNE 2021

INFORMATION SESSIONS AND WEBINARS

Rising Economy 2024

JUNE 2022

JUNE 2021

LOOKING TO ACQUIRE AND NEED SUPPORT?

THRIVING NON-PROFITS SOCIAL ENTERPRISE ACQUISITION COURSE

Wondering if acquiring a social enterprise is right for your nonprofit? This Thriving Non-Profits Learning Lab course offers a clear pathway for acquiring and transforming a business into a successful social enterprise. Sign up now to explore the first module for free to see if this approach fits your organization’s objectives for social enterprise development.

GO TO THE COURSE PAGE

VENTURE CONNECT

Venture Connect lists businesses for sale in rural communities across Canada, providing a platform for listing agents to connect with buyers.

VENTURE CONNECT

COMMUNITY FUTURES NETWORK

Community Futures has offices across Canada offering assistance to rural businesses in finding grants and other support.

COMMUNITY FUTURES

LOOKING TO ACQUIRE AND NEED SUPPORT?

THRIVING NON-PROFITS SOCIAL ENTERPRISE ACQUISITION COURSE

Wondering if acquiring a social enterprise is right for your nonprofit? This Thriving Non-Profits Learning Lab course offers a clear pathway for acquiring and transforming a business into a successful social enterprise. Sign up now to explore the first module for free to see if this approach fits your organization’s objectives for social enterprise development.

GO TO THE COURSE PAGE

VENTURE CONNECT

Venture Connect lists businesses for sale in rural communities across Canada, providing a platform for listing agents to connect with buyers.

VENTURE CONNECT

COMMUNITY FUTURES NETWORK

Community Futures has offices across Canada offering assistance to rural businesses in finding grants and other support.

COMMUNITY FUTURES

ACQUISITION RESOURCES

Thriving Non-Profits: Revenue diversification training program

 

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Small Business Today, Social Enterprise Tomorrow


Social Firm Scotland:
Acquiring Business 4 Good Final Report

PARTNERS AND FUNDERS

This project is a partnership between Royal Roads University and Scale Institute.

We are thankful for funding support from:

Government of British Columba