Subject: Economics Course: SSWR MISC Community Economic Profile…

Subject: Economics
Course: SSWR MISC
Community Economic Profile Assignment: Exploring Alternative Business Models In the Greater Toronto Area Full Assignment (Part 1, 2 & 3)
: Field Visit, Reflection and Presentation: 20 Marks Assignment DUE Date for Parts 1 & 2: Week 6 – Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 According to ‘Community Economies’ (.org), alternative economies are ones which engage the process of production, exchange, labour/compensation, finance and consumption that are intentionally different from mainstream capitalistic economic activity and present alternative representations of economy as organic and expansive in scope to address the authentic needs of any local economy” (2009).
The purpose of this assignment is for students to explore alternative economic business models within community to determine how the principles and benefits of community economic development play out within that establishment as well as into the wider local (and global?) community.

1. Learning Outcomes 1.Compare and contrast the various approaches and skills utilized in the process of revitalizing local economies and building community resources.

2.Explain how the process of CED impacts, and is influenced by, the social and political systems of both a community, the larger country and the world.

3.Explore the realities, opportunities, challenges related to promoting local economic growth in both mainstream and alternative community-based economies.

4.Examine local and global economic development programs and project from CED, and social and economic justice principles and promote community action

5.Identify ways to promote social entrepreneurship that engages marginalized communities including women, indigenous communities and people with disabilities.

Part 1: Sign up for an alternative business model to explore one of the following business models as an alternative economic
• Social enterprise – CAMH ” Out of this world cafe” https://seontario.org/stories/out-of-this-world/
Part 2: Field Visit + Reflection on Alternative Economic Opportunities Individual assignment. 10 marks
Submission deadline on the drop box: February 15, 2023 Format: •Word document or
•10-12 powerpoint slides
•Video footage can/may be integrated into either of the above two formats
•Use at least 5-6 relevant images must be used for any form of the assignment
Content: Based on the Benefits and Principles of CED discussed in class + your field visit to a selected local alternative business model location, reflect on the following:
1. Describe the alternative business model you have chosen to investigate – both in general (ie. what is fair trade?) and specifically to the location and establishment your group has chosen (i.e. how this particular business fit within the model of a fair trade establishment?)
2. How has the establishment your group chose operating and producing benefits for the community members and the local economy and how is it related to community economic development?
3. Does the impact of your selected alternative economic model expand beyond the local community? Does the impact intersect or work towards any of the UN SDGs?
Marks Distribution:
5 marks:
• Evidence of your field visit to the location of your alternative economic model and engagement with the people who empower it
5 marks:
Word document or Power Point that reflects on CED and Alternative economic models in the Greater Toronto Area (answer/reflection question 1-3)

Part 3: In-Class Presentation and Experience Sharing (after field visit) Group assignment (2-3 students per group), 10 marks
Due date: February 15, 2023, In class presentation. (week 6)
Format: •Short Video (4-5 minutes) or
•Power point (10-12 slides)
•At least 5-6 relevant images
•Each group will have 5 minutes (MAX) to present – practice presenting within that time period prior to presentation
Content:
Theme or Questions for Presentation or video:
1. Integrate the content you have created, as a group, in Part 1 into your classroom presentation, including reflection on the following:
• What are the success, challenges, and opportunities of the alternative model, in general, and specific to the establishment you investigate.
• In what community is this establishment located and how does it benefit the unique demographics of that community? Or does it?
2. How does this establishment’s business model/social innovation align with the Principles of CED (identified by Neechi Food Worker Co-op – the 11 principles we discussed in class
1. Use of Locally produced goods and services
2. Production of goods and services for local use
3. Local re-investment of profits
4. Long-term employment of local residents
5. Local skill development
6. Local decision making
7. Public health
8. Physical environment
9. Neighbourhood stability
10.Human dignity
11. Support for other CED initiatives
3. Considering local economic development, social capital, engagement of civil society, community participation & empowerment… What are your key learnings from this investigation with respect to CED?

4. Any ideas for how this learning/reflection increases your agency as a CD Worker and Activist?