From loyal reader Alex, who passes along an email from Chris Sullivan, the owner of Home Free Bagels. The business got a big splash of publicity recently for its unusual business model – it employs homeless people to make and distribute delicious bagels here in Asheville.
Despite the glowing press, the business is struggling. From Chris’ email:
I really need your help. Asheville has embraced Home Free Bagels with overwhelming enthusiasm. All the press and attention has been awesome and our bagels are selling like crazy. Everything appears wonderful, however there is a large bump in the road. We have not raised the money we need to keep things steady while we grow and our cash-flow is worrisome.
I have an idea for another story, but it is not a plea for money. I think there is something important in the disconnect between success of an idea and success of an enterprise. In all my research I have found no similar enterprise anywhere in this country. All examples of social enterprise still exist within the confines of NPOs. Therefore, Asheville is on the brink of setting a national example of how to bring about social justice through a market-based economy. The emergence of successful social enterprise in Asheville will act as a beacon of hope for other cities struggling to strengthen their communities.
On a national scale, Americans are thirsty for improved government programs, yet unwilling to sacrifice to make such change possible. Asheville is no different. We are renowned for our environmental ethics, our local farms, and our diversity. We all know the real obstacles to our ideals – poor alternative transportation planning, a race/class barrier that starts south and north of the transit center, and the corporate growth of our small, local grocers. We want one thing but we have another. It’s the disconnect I’m talking about and we all suffer for it.
It’s this palpable contradiction that causes Asheville residents to latch onto Home Free Bagels with enthusiasm. People understand yet don’t quite understand what real change must look like. Home Free Bagels feels like a real opportunity.
The question is, is Asheville ready for such a change? Because we can’t make it on our own. It will take the effort of many to guarantee success.
2 Comments
Need is a relative term. $10,000 would keep us worry free and able to focus on growing the business. We are about to launch a Facebook fundraising campaign asking Asheville citizens to donate small amounts of money. Ideally, $20,000 would ensure ultimate success.
How much do you need?