Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the sustainable development efforts of the social enterprise "Flying Birds and Singing Insects," which focuses on food education and operates as a certified zero-carbon farm in Beijing, showcasing the intersection of social good and business sustainability [1][2][12]. Group 1: Company Overview - "Flying Birds and Singing Insects" is Beijing's first organic farm centered on food education, founded in 2018 by a team of female entrepreneurs in collaboration with a local farmers' cooperative [1][2]. - The farm aims to rebuild the relationship between people, food, and land, emphasizing experiential food education and artisan food products rather than selling primary agricultural products [2][5]. Group 2: Business Model and Impact - The enterprise generates stable cash flow through sales of artisan baked goods, organic zero-carbon farming, and family-oriented food education experiences, while reinvesting 40% of profits back into the local community to improve employment and public conditions [5][12]. - Currently, 90% of the farm's employees come from nearby villages, predominantly rural women, highlighting the social impact of the business model [5]. Group 3: Support and Development Initiatives - Standard Chartered Bank has initiated the "Social Enterprise Empowerment Program" in collaboration with Enpai Public Welfare since 2021, providing capacity-building training and business development funds to high-potential social enterprises across China [5][6]. - The program has supported over 700 social enterprises, addressing various issues such as rural women's entrepreneurship and youth employment [5][12]. Group 4: Volunteer Engagement and Skill Development - Standard Chartered mobilizes its employees to provide skill-based volunteer services, offering targeted professional advice to social enterprises facing various challenges [7][8]. - The bank's global initiative allows employees to take paid volunteer leave, facilitating the connection between employee expertise and the needs of social enterprises [7]. Group 5: Challenges and Solutions - "Flying Birds and Singing Insects" faced funding challenges in its early stages, which limited its ability to hire professionals and grow its business [8]. - Recent support from Standard Chartered and Enpai Public Welfare has enabled the farm to hire a professional social media operator, enhancing its online presence and operational efficiency [8][9]. Group 6: Broader Implications - The article emphasizes that balancing social value and business sustainability is crucial for social enterprises, with Standard Chartered's initiatives serving as a model for supporting such enterprises in navigating complex commercial environments [12][13]. - The integration of profit and social good is portrayed as a dual aspect of sustainable development, where financial and commercial forces actively contribute to positive impacts within the operational and value chains of enterprises [12][13].
当我们和青年农场主一起直面理想与现实