Community Supported Enterprise (CSE) Model Business

Community supported enterprises (CSEs) adapt community-supported agriculture model to other businesses, with community members becoming shareholders, members, or subscribers sharing financial ownership and mission commitment supporting local sustainable businesses.

With community ownership models growing and consumers seeking connection to local businesses, CSEs generate revenue of $200,000-$600,000+ through community shares and business operations.

The business requires cooperative or community-owned structure, community share offering, transparent governance with member input, social or environmental mission, and member engagement programs.

Business models include community-supported fisheries or meat shares, renewable energy cooperatives, local food hubs and distribution, worker-owned businesses, or community-owned retail spaces.

Revenue comes from community shares ($200-$2,000 per member), ongoing business sales, membership programs, and mission-aligned grants.

Success factors include compelling mission attracting community support, viable business model with shared economic risk and benefit, transparent member communication and governance, member engagement beyond just financial investment, and measuring social and community impact.

Most successful CSEs combine mission authenticity with solid business fundamentals, balancing community values with financial sustainability.

The enterprise builds community ownership and local economy.

Many CSEs focus on local food systems, renewable energy, or community spaces.

Community members provide patient capital accepting below-market returns for mission.

With community connection and stakeholder capitalism growing in 2025, community supported enterprises offer democratic opportunities for social entrepreneurs building businesses owned and supported by community members sharing financial and mission commitment creating local economic resilience and stakeholder value beyond shareholder returns.