| Abstract |
This chapter addresses conclusions from interviews conducted by the author with young Polish entrepreneurs who built their business models based on a social and/or environmental mission. These are businesses that operate on the edge of commercial and social activities. They hereby are voluntary and actively involved in bringing real change in social and/or environmental issues. The interviewees are inspirational leaders who believe that their activities have deeper than just a commercial sense. It is important to note that all the companies examined are startups pioneering sustainable business models in Poland. Despite being in the minority, their activities are crucial since they are the ones upon whom to pattern the future development of similar business models on the Polish market. Their role is to educate consumers and other stakeholders by showing that it is possible to run a company, where both a human aspect and social mission are vital. The interviews were conducted between July and September 2015. Interviewees were creators of Asante Bamboo Bikes, Migam, NotJustShop, Plan Planeta and Wislaki. The objective of the chapter is an attempt to identify, describe and compare the basic assumptions and most important elements of the surveyed companies' business models which categorize them as sustainable business models. Moreover, the study analyzes methods of engaging stakeholders by the surveyed companies, the role of social media in their development, as well as the motivations of their leaders and experiences related to setting up projects based on a social or environmental mission. Finally, a conceptual framework on the researched topic is provided. |