Our last Comm class focused on Social Entrepreneurs at work. We focused on living examples of this meticulously beautiful style of entrepreneurship and saw the benefits received because of it.
With that said, whenever I think of Social Entrepreneurship, I immediately think of Mark Brand, owner of Save On Meats and several other restaurants.
I think of him because he is a prime example of someone using business skills to create a social benefit. Not only is Brand an national icon, but he lives local to us; a fellow resident of the DTES (Downtown Eastside).
To briefly highlight his impact, Brand does the following:
- Currently employs 65 people at Save On Meats, most of which are actually barrier residents of the DTES (people whom are unable to have a stable job due to illnesses or psychological disorders)
- Unites and promotes the DTES community
- Caters and feeds to SROs (Single-room occupancy hotels)
- Serves anyone in a friendly manner disregarding social status
More importantly, Save On Meats acts as a beacon of hope for the DTES as it remains to be token of history; an old yet thriving building filled with rich heritage. As many already perceive, DTES is known to be a ‘sketchy’ place with unfriendly people. Sure enough, it may radiate such an atmosphere but the culture and people are far more than meets the eye.
DTES is a vibrant community, a community that has limitless opportunity. From a business aspect, DTES has a bright future due to its cheap leases and the close community of people. This is why businesses like Save On Meats works.
As evident, indeed businesses have diversified to this section of Vancouver whether it be high end boutique shops to restaurants. For a student like myself, seeing Mark Brand use business to help save the DTES is incredibly inspiring. It is great to see Social Entrepreneurship work and thrive at such a local level to us all.
Sources:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/vancouvers-downtown-eastside-is-open-for-business/article5265614/