Seeds to Success: tough business decisions in a non‐profit environment

Purpose - Seeds to Success naturally grown gourmet salad greens, a product recognized for superior freshness, flavor, and quality, placed a community non‐profit organization in a position where high demand and limited production capacity became a major obstacle at a time when this nonprofit was facing tough decisions. The purpose of this paper is to present this example as a teaching case. The case also represents an example of the funding plight facing many community organizations and how social entrepreneurship can lead to creative solutions. Design/methodology/approach - The information presented in this case is the result of years of participation and observation within the featured organization along with the cooperation of its employees, participants, and volunteers. Findings - The analysis and discussion of facts and events presented are in the hands of the readers and the findings can be many. Originality/value - This case can be of value for courses of many disciplines, as well as to serve as an example for practitioners involved in non‐profit organizations. As a teaching case, this study provides a unique history of events and description of the situation, as well as a chance to offer and discuss many possible solutions; each with its own potential set of contingencies. The case also allows readers to contrast the decision‐making considerations of for‐profit and non‐profit organizations as this community organization makes business decisions while protecting its social mission.