‘Glocal’ Transformative Impact: An Innovative Social Enterprise Framework
Description
There is a growing need for transformative business models that are scalable, have measurable results, and have strong biblical foundations so that they can be embraced by the faith community, while at the same time be integrated into larger community development and economic development strategies. To date, very few models have been specifically designed to simultaneously address: 1) The social, spiritual, environmental, and economic needs of communities in a sustainable way; 2) The Christian mandate to stand in solidarity with the poor; and 3) Results that are measurable and scalable.
- Participants will leave with a better understanding of global trends that are currently affecting local organizations and businesses in the urban context.
- Participants will gain insights as to the role that social enterprises can play in addressing local and global intractable issues.
- Participants will learn of best-practice principles being implemented in social enterprises around the country.
Presenter
Dr. Justin Beene is the director/founder of the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation, Grand Rapids, Mich., a collective of nonprofit and for-profit entities with a mutual interest in alleviating poverty. Together these partners work to create opportunities for community transformation. Beene is also a lecturer/faculty member at Acton University, Grand Rapids, and regular guest speaker at many local, state, national, and global conferences.
Beene is the vice president of the board of directors of Mosaic Christian Community Development Association in Benton Harbor, Mich. He also serves on the board of the Grand Rapids Nehemiah Project in Grand Rapids and the International Advisory Board for the Center for Transforming Mission in Guatemala City.
Beene holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and family studies from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Mich., a master’s degree in social work in management of human services from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, a master’s in ministry leadership from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in transformational leadership with a focus in entrepreneurial transformation from Bakke Graduate University, Seattle, Wash.
