Sustainable Entrepreneurship: A Case Study on Living Ground’s “Creation Opportunity” Project
Executive Summary
Living Ground is launching the “Creation Opportunity” project to empower local men and women through the establishment of collaborative, self-run enterprises known as PODs. This initiative is designed to enhance community self-reliance by sharing skills in product creation and business management, aligning with our mission to promote sustainable economic development.
Mission Statement of “Creation Opportunity”
The “Creation Opportunity” project at Living Ground aims to empower local men and women by creating self-sustaining PODs within our Self Reliance Project. By offering training in areas such as business, marketing, product creation from the garden to the product,, essential oil production, microbe-rich composting, and consultancy based on Dr. Elaine Ingham’s Soil Food Web principles, we seek to nurture independent enterprises that contribute to economic growth and community resilience.
Vision Statement
We envision a community where individuals are equipped to harness their skills and resources to build sustainable businesses that contribute to a vibrant local economy. Through the “Creation Opportunity,” we aim to cultivate a culture of innovation and self-reliance, empowering participants to transform their lives and communities using ecological and economic principles.
Project Leadership
Leisha, the founder, brings her extensive expertise as a Soil Food Web Consultant, Naturopath, Homeopath, Herbalist, and homesteader. Her vision is to empower local individuals with practical tools for health and sustainability, from soil to gardens, food, and medicine, ensuring every participant is equipped with the knowledge to thrive.
Project Description
The primary objective of the “Creation Opportunity” is to create self-sustaining PODs that operate within Living Ground’s Self Reliance Project. Participants will learn to create and market various products, including ferments, herbal teas, spice blends, soaps, and more. They may also manage the health store or café, operate essential oil production, sprouting, mushroom cultivation, and create microbe-rich compost (inoculant). The current team of men will offer consultancy services based on Dr. Elaine Ingham’s teachings, where Leisha obtained her advanced consultancy training. All the participants will also be taught business skills such as accounting, business operations, marketing, inventory control and cooperative sharing of government relations. We do intend to have an internal sharing program so the different POD leaders can exhange their wares through a credit system. Full overview of the Living Ground Project can be viewed HERE
Living Ground’s “Creation Opportunity” project is dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth and community empowerment through the development and support of diverse PODs. Our strategic goals involve:
- Network Development: Establishing a network of PODs that focus on vertical integration, from the cultivation of plants to the creation and sale of products. This holistic approach ensures every step of the process supports both economic viability and sustainability.
- Knowledge Transfer and Skill Development: By leveraging the microbial principles of Soil Food Web science, we facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills to community participants. This empowers them with the tools needed for sustainable and successful entrepreneurship.
- Expansion and Innovation: We seek to expand our initiatives through eco-tourism, a thriving market garden, a dedicated soil laboratory, and ventures like a microbe café and natural health store. These projects create a holistic environment that supports community interaction and well-being.
We are currently active in sharing product making with local women
Operational Foundation and Impact:
Our operations begin with the creation of microbe-rich compost, which serves as a critical foundation for regenerating and sustaining the land. This compost is central to our initiatives, supporting large market gardens and commercial kitchen operations. By focusing on beneficial microbes for nutrient cycling, we ensure that taking care of the soil directly enhances human well-being.
Living Ground stands as a center for teaching and practicing sustainable methods, nurturing a deep connection with nature, and promoting holistic wellness. Through a variety of apprenticeship programs, certifications, and educational opportunities, we cultivate the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable living.
Community Context and Impact
In the local community, many women have limited educational opportunities and are often underpaid, restricting their economic independence. Men predominantly work in agriculture, earning $110 per week or $440 per month, which can be challenging for supporting families.
The “Creation Opportunity” project seeks to provide community members, particularly women, with opportunities to diversify their income beyond traditional agricultural work. Through self-sustaining PODs, participants receive training and resources to create and market products such as essential oils, ferments, herbal teas, and more, while also offering consultancy services. This initiative allows participants to develop economically viable skills, promoting a more equitable and prosperous community.
With our training program already underway, held every Saturday at the Project Site, we equip locals with the skills needed to succeed in these new ventures, fostering self-reliance and economic resilience. These weekly workshops are being video-ed and compiled for future students.
Training Opportunities
The “Creation Opportunity” project offers a variety of training-focused PODs, each presenting unique business opportunities aimed at empowering local men and women with practical skills for sustainable living:
- Essential Oils: Participants learn essential oil production, from cultivation to marketing, across three active sites.
- Herbal Teas and Culinary Spice Blends: With herb gardens and a drying station, participants produce health-focused teas and spices.
- Soaps, Natural Cleaning Products and Cosmetics: Training in crafting natural personal care products using microbe-grown plants and herbs.
- Ferments and Salsas: Guided by Leisha’s online course, participants master making probiotic-rich foods.
- Microbe-Rich Composting: Techniques vital for sustainable agriculture, with active team participation.
- Market Gardens and Food Forests: Skills to manage eco-friendly gardens and food forests.
- Mushroom Cultivation: Training in growing diverse mushroom varieties at our Mushroom Laboratory.
- Sprouting Operation: Expertise in sprouting for the Microbe Café and public sale.
- The Project Site is currently being created to be a living example of Living Ground’s Courses (www.livingground.net)
- Eco-tourism and Hospitality: Skills in sustainable tourism and hospitality.
- Craft Making: Using a Loom, participants learn to craft textiles like rugs and scarves.(a loom has already been acquired.
- Wines, Vinegars, and Elixirs: Training in crafting fermented beverages, including wines and vinegars.
Most of these opportunities are designed for women’s empowerment, though men are welcome to participate, fostering an inclusive environment for learning and enterprise. Through this project, Living Ground enhances community resilience and prosperity, supporting a vision of sustainable, holistic well-being. The current Living Ground Team (men) are fully trained in Dr Elaine’s method for making Microbe Rich Compost and actively doing jobs.
Call to Action:
We invite you to support this innovative model for community empowerment and sustainability. Join us on this transformative journey to create a sustainable future for generations to come. Your involvement will be pivotal in helping us achieve these goals and foster a resilient, thriving community.
Sales Predictions
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zkJ39ciMYFZiel-dVq-XMJj8bj2AJ2gjw95_SVx35Ds/edit?usp=sharing
Financial Needs
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O3XnM41DHQP5w66AfO9bqjuoEYqR3yQDSPIhvCsC81k/edit?usp=sharing
Case Study
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nG1Kr-CaXBx3dCIUBgk098yeWUNc4EQWFYz9psnPF1I/edit?usp=sharing