Social enterprise
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Vision
In REACH Grenada’s first two years, we have made great strides towards our vision but more work needs to be accomplished and will be far-reaching in its impact on the entire nation of Grenada. The benefits of this initiative can and should serve Grenadian people for many generations and so critical to the long-term success is to establish a long-term funding and sustainability strategy. To overcome this challenge, Neo and Karen have formed a Social Enterprise arm to REACH Grenada dedicated to the production and distribution of organic Grenadian cacao (raw chocolate) and to the promotion of eco-tourism in Grenada.Social enterprise - "putting people before profits"
An organization or venture (within an organization) that advances a social mission through entrepreneurial, earned income strategies. Social enterprise harnesses the power of the marketplace to solve critical social or environmental problems.(Social Enterprise Alliance)
Cacao
Grenada’s lush rain forests and fertile highlands play host to some of the world’s best quality cacao (raw chocolate). It is one of the very few countries that successfully produce "fine" or "flavored" otherwise known as the Criollo and Trinitario cacao bean, largely due to its near perfect growing conditions. So it is not surprising that prior to the hurricanes, cacao production and export was thriving.As a result of the hurricanes Grenada’s economy, based primarily upon services (tourism and medical school education provided by St. George's University) and agricultural production (nutmeg and cocoa), was brought to a near standstill. Overall damage totaled as much as 2.5 times annual GDP. Agriculture was severely affected.
After consulting with Grenada’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Grenada Cocoa Association, REACH Grenada observed the lack of organic cocoa production for export. Organic cocoa is a growing market with demand for quality dark chocolate on the rise. REACH Grenada is seizing this market opportunity to certify organic cocoa farms. The objectives are five fold: 1) to extend raw organic Grenadian cocoa to the international market for the first time, 2) to generate additional GDP for Grenada 3) to create local employment 4) to encourage agriculture as a career option for the youth 5) and to build a long-term funding avenue for REACH Grenada to ensure project sustainability.
REACH Grenada Partnerships
As part of the social enterprise model, REACH Grenada is seeking partners in the chocolate and cosmetic sectors that wish to buy Grenadian cocoa that will directly benefit REACH Grenada’s charitable programs. If interested, please contact Danielle Elkin at +1 (808) 268-6326 or danielle@reachgrenada.org.Voluntourism
Voluntourism is a form of tourism that appeals to a growing worldwide population of ecologically and socially conscious individuals. Generally speaking, voluntourism focuses on volunteering, personal growth, and learning new ways to live on the planet; typically involving travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Grenada is blessed with some of the world’s most outstanding natural resources, including pristine beaches and lush inland forests and is therefore well positioned to cater for this growing trend.
In 2009, Laluna hotel (www.laluna.com) proudly opens the doors to its new stunning Balinese style yoga and spa facility located directly on the water’s edge. Laluna’s owner, himself 'socially responsible' and active in the local community, has invited Neo (www.yogawithneo.com) to offer a special ‘Yoga, Chocoate, Charity’ week in November 2009 where participants will indulge in yoga and wellbeing treatments as well as learning about chocolate and volunteering for a day charity work (optional). A percentage of the proceeds will also go to fund child health care programs that will benefit thousands of children in rural Grenada.
Thank you to Pangea Organics, an eco-conscious company and makers of 'Eco-centric Bodycare' products, who donated their amazing face moisurizer and showel gel items to spruce up the goodie bag we gave to journalists at our press event in December 2008.
