Forthcoming Case Study

Bamboo House India: Creating Green Livelihoods

Abstract:

This case study, meant to be discussed either in entrepreneurship or social entrepreneurship course, is based on Bamboo House India (BHI). BHI was started by Prashant Lingam and Aruna Kappagantula in May 2008. The enterprise began with an idea of generating livelihood for tribal bamboo artisans by creating a market for bamboo-based products, despite the fact that bamboo industry is highly regulated. This case study illustrates two very important aspects of a social entrepreneurial venture – the scalability of a socially-viable business model if operating in a highly regulated industry and hurdles confronted by the firm in the path of growth.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To have an overview of the factors responsible for spurt in social entrepreneurship in general and in India specifically
• To discuss and debate on the relevance of inclusive business models as an effective way to eradicate poverty and to improve the livelihoods, especially in an emerging economy like India
• To understand Bamboo House India’s inclusive business model, its operating and revenue model, both for its bamboo furniture business and the affordable housing project
• To explore all the possible ways and means for addressing impending challenges in scaling up the business model of Bamboo House India.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, Socially Relevant Business Models, Inclusive Business Models, Bamboo House India, Social Entrepreneurs in India, Capacity Building through Social Entrepreneurship, Green Businesses, Green Livelihoods, Poverty Alleviation through Inclusive Business Models, Scalability of Socially Relevant Business Models

Course:  Entrepreneurship / Social Entrepreneurship

Concept:  Creating Socially Relevant / Inclusive Business Models

Key Focus:  How should Bamboo House resolve all the interwoven 8 challenges?