This case examines how a social enterprise, Longevity Design House (LDH) in HK, has transformed its business model several times to balance creating social value and generating profit. With the rapid growth of an aging society in HK, the social mission of LDH is to help seniors live a decent life through home renovation, interior design, and product specifications. The company originated by upcycling leftover brand-new construction materials to reduce environmental waste. The company also utilized the internet of things (IoT) technology to offer a location tracking system for guardians to detect when their seniors were at risk. After several stages of transformation, the company has recently developed plans to expand products to include a wearable device to help seniors receive health alerts regarding their physical condition from healthcare professionals. However, a promising senior-friendly furniture line also requires further investment. It then raises the question of how much a social enterprise should scale up its business for profit. This case illustrates the tension between its mission and growth as a social enterprise.
Local Alike是一家位於泰國的社會企業，其導入「以社區為主體的旅遊 (Community- based Tourism)」的永續旅遊模式，這個概念是以社區居民為主體，一切旅遊的方案制訂與發展方向都是由居民做主。Local Alike扮演類似扶植者角色，藉由一連串了輔導流程，協助社區居民發展旅遊，目的在提升當地居民的生活水平，同時解決當地的社會問題。