There are many obstacles and requirements new businesses face nowadays. Different regulations, conditions, requirements – all of this surely does not make the company’s first steps smoother.

The question raising topic, if not the most overwhelming one, is sustainability. And its undeniable importance in businesses.

However, far too many times, businesses were destined for failure because of the intention to be sustainable. Yet not thinking in advance how to sustain yourself.

What often happens is when a business is trying to act sustainably and socially responsible, it misses a certain point where it has to be profitable as well.

Amazing idea, yet… not quite there

We often see the same situation, happening over and over again. There is a fantastic idea, excellent kick-off, and yet, after a few months, it all quickly goes downhill.

Failure explained 

According to Statista, 90% of new startups fail. And only 40% of startups actually turn a profit. So, what could we estimate from these numbers?

A sustainable business model is something that suggests you have a socially, environmentally, and SDG oriented mission and vision. So, let’s say your main aim is to help others who are not able to do that. But what about sustaining yourself? Business is like a living creature, it needs the energy to survive. And in this case, that energy is financial income.

Most of the time, such a scenario unfolds in social entrepreneurship. Since its primary aim is to resolve some kind of social, environmental issue, people could forget that ensuring a stable, continuous financial income is a must for them.

Let’s take a look what’s done

There are exceptionally genius stories concerning social entrepreneurship, though. Dutch people, as it turns out, have a talent, drive, innovation, and passion within themselves.

The Hague – a safe nest for social entrepreneurs

Examples of social enterprises in the city include The New Farm, which boasts the largest rooftop farm in Europe, “slow fashion” movement i-did, and Seepje which makes cleaning products.

“The Hague is a playground for new initiatives,” said Gert-Willem van Mourik, the municipality’s program manager for innovation and social entrepreneurship. According to him, the past couple of years he was continuously “seducing” social entrepreneurs to start a franchise in the city.

The mayor of the city, Pauline Krikke specifies: “The Hague connects many creative entrepreneurs, old and young – and they want to make a difference,” she says. She also suggests such success comes from within the creators: “They are dreamers and do-ers, hard workers and thinkers.”

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