Rebecca’s Natural Food: Sparking Small Business and Local Community Involvement in Charlottesville February 21, 2023 By Bala Mulloth Rebecca’s Natural Food: Sparking Small Business and Local Community Involvement in Charlottesville This case study analyzes the growth, evolution, and innovation of Rebecca’s Natural Food, a socially minded grocer that provides locally sourced, sustainable, and healthy products for the public. Founded in 1987 by Norman Dill, the organization’s mission was to orchestrate a movement championing the need for healthy, sustainable, anti-hormone, fresh local food. To do so, the organization took a unique social entrepreneurial approach. By engaging closely with the local community and building partnerships with a range of small businesses, the organization has been able to set itself apart as a business that meets exceptional standards. The case will investigate the team’s social motivations and shared values that contribute to the organization’s goals and vision. Further, the case will discuss the various strategic decisions and dilemmas the organization faces as they seek to maximize their impact in the years ahead. Finally, the case will offer some of the lessons learned and potential new directions Rebecca’s Natural Food has proposed to take. Link to case Bala Mulloth Bala Mulloth is an assistant professor at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. Mulloth is a globally oriented educator and entrepreneur and his work focuses on innovation and social entrepreneurship. Read full bio Related Content Bala Mulloth Embedding responsible innovation in corporate strategy Research International Institute for Management Development (IMD) features an article by Bala Mulloth, Jill Kickul, and Tatiana Iakovleva in Sustainability, Sept. 2024. Mulloth and collagues explore the advantages of applying the responsible innovation (RI) framework beyond its origins in the social enterprise sphere. Wildrock: Empowering Social Connection and Play in Virginia's Blue Ridge Region Research In this case, we study the growth, evolution, and impact of Wildrock, a nonprofit organization that is helping improve the mental health and happiness of people in and around Charlottesville, Virginia, through access to nature and nature play. Wildrock was created by Carolyn Schuyler, a licensed clinical social worker, in response to increasing mental illness among young adults and a decrease in outdoor play among children. Professor Bala Mulloth and Team Close to Marketing Better-Filtering, More Comfortable Cloth Face Masks News Gaurav Giri and Batten assistant professor of public policy Balashankar Mulloth co-founded Hava, Inc. to develop technology with the potential to dramatically improve the air filtration efficiency and breathability of face masks. Designers and researchers join forces to imagine the home of the future News Batten’s Bala Mulloth and chemical engineering professor Gaurav Giri, co-founders of Hava Inc., are one of nine design teams commissioned to provide the public with a glimpse into the future of home furnishings and objects for a show titled Hybrid at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Australia.
Bala Mulloth Bala Mulloth is an assistant professor at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. Mulloth is a globally oriented educator and entrepreneur and his work focuses on innovation and social entrepreneurship. Read full bio
Embedding responsible innovation in corporate strategy Research International Institute for Management Development (IMD) features an article by Bala Mulloth, Jill Kickul, and Tatiana Iakovleva in Sustainability, Sept. 2024. Mulloth and collagues explore the advantages of applying the responsible innovation (RI) framework beyond its origins in the social enterprise sphere.
Wildrock: Empowering Social Connection and Play in Virginia's Blue Ridge Region Research In this case, we study the growth, evolution, and impact of Wildrock, a nonprofit organization that is helping improve the mental health and happiness of people in and around Charlottesville, Virginia, through access to nature and nature play. Wildrock was created by Carolyn Schuyler, a licensed clinical social worker, in response to increasing mental illness among young adults and a decrease in outdoor play among children.
Professor Bala Mulloth and Team Close to Marketing Better-Filtering, More Comfortable Cloth Face Masks News Gaurav Giri and Batten assistant professor of public policy Balashankar Mulloth co-founded Hava, Inc. to develop technology with the potential to dramatically improve the air filtration efficiency and breathability of face masks.
Designers and researchers join forces to imagine the home of the future News Batten’s Bala Mulloth and chemical engineering professor Gaurav Giri, co-founders of Hava Inc., are one of nine design teams commissioned to provide the public with a glimpse into the future of home furnishings and objects for a show titled Hybrid at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Australia.