Abstract:

Contextually placed, when the world realizes the importance of sustainable development, this case study explores the story of a successful social entrepreneur in the field of dry waste management - Nepra. The venture operates on a for-profit business model, keeping in mind the well-being of waste pickers who incidentally are an integral and vital part of this venture's value chain. The case study deliberates the venture's decision to scale up its operation, i.e., from one facility in one city to 25 facilities in 25 cities across India by 2025. Further, the case study brings forth specific dilemmas regarding the venture's decision to focus on dry waste management, which constitutes only 19% of the solid waste generated in the country.  The critical question here is,has the venture overlooked the opportunity to process other components?

Learning objectives

• To discuss the complexities and challenges of operating a social entrepreneurial venture.
• To debate and understand the role of entrepreneurs in impacting communities.
• To deliberate the growth options of a firm operating in the waste management domain.