1.
What challeneges was APS(A perfect seed) facing as it was created and how did stenn try
to overcome them? As she was developing APS's busisness model, stenn overcome some
ofg the early critisism for social entrepreneur?
APS (A Perfect Seed), founded by Stenn, faced several challenges in its early stages as it was being
developed. Here are the key challenges and how Stenn addressed them while developing APS’s
business model, as well as her response to early criticism of social entrepreneurship:
Challenges Faced by APS
1. Lack of Credibility and Skepticism:
o Being a new organization, APS struggled to establish trust among stakeholders,
including farmers, consumers, and potential investors.
o Social entrepreneurship was often met with skepticism, as people questioned
whether it was a viable and scalable model.
2. Financial Constraints:
o Like many startups, APS faced limited funding and resources, which made it
challenging to grow the business and invest in necessary infrastructure.
3. Resistance from Traditional Market Players:
o Established players in the agricultural sector viewed APS as a disruptor and were
resistant to collaboration or change.
4. Scaling the Model:
o APS needed to scale its business while maintaining its commitment to social and
environmental sustainability.
5. Educating Stakeholders:
o Farmers needed education on sustainable agricultural practices, which required
time, effort, and trust-building.
How Stenn Addressed These Challenges
1. Building Trust Through Results:
o Stenn focused on delivering measurable social and economic impact, such as
improving farmers' income and producing high-quality seeds, to build credibility.
o By maintaining transparency in APS’s operations, she gained the trust of
stakeholders.
2. Innovative Funding Strategies:
o To address financial constraints, Stenn explored partnerships with impact investors,
NGOs, and government programs that supported social entrepreneurship.
o She also reinvested profits back into the business to sustain growth.
3. Leveraging Partnerships:
o Stenn collaborated with organizations that shared similar values to extend APS’s
reach and credibility in the agricultural sector.
4. Developing a Scalable Model:
o She focused on creating a business model that balanced profitability with social
impact, ensuring scalability without compromising on core values.
o APS used technology and innovative supply chain practices to optimize operations
and reduce costs.
5. Engaging Farmers:
o APS invested in farmer education programs to teach sustainable practices, ensuring
that the farmers saw immediate and long-term benefits from their involvement.
o These programs helped reduce resistance and created a network of loyal
stakeholders.
Overcoming Criticism of Social Entrepreneurship
1. Demonstrating Financial Viability:
o Stenn addressed criticism about the sustainability of social entrepreneurship by
showing that APS could generate profits while achieving social impact.
o This dual-purpose approach proved that social enterprises could be self-sustaining
and impactful.
2. Telling APS's Story:
o She emphasized the success stories of farmers who benefited from APS to counter
skepticism and demonstrate the tangible impact of the model.
o By sharing these narratives widely, she inspired confidence in APS’s mission.
3. Proving Scalability:
o Critics often doubted whether social enterprises could scale. Stenn countered this by
gradually expanding APS’s reach, proving its ability to operate effectively at a larger
scale.
4. Focusing on Metrics:
o Stenn used measurable outcomes (e.g., farmer income increases, environmental
benefits) to validate APS’s impact and dispel doubts about its effectiveness.
Through persistence, innovation, and a strong commitment to her mission, Stenn successfully
addressed these challenges and criticisms, establishing APS as a credible and impactful social
enterprise.
2. What is the distinguishing factor of bolivian royal quinoa that APS can leverage in its
favour? Do a swot analysis
Distinguishing Factor of Bolivian Royal Quinoa
Bolivian Royal Quinoa is renowned for its exceptional quality and unique geographical origin. It is
grown exclusively in the altiplano region near the Uyuni salt flats at high altitudes, which gives it
distinct nutritional and taste characteristics, such as:
1. Larger Grain Size: Royal Quinoa grains are larger compared to other quinoa varieties.
2. Nutritional Superiority: It is rich in protein, essential amino acids, and micronutrients.
3. Unique Taste and Texture: Its nutty flavor and fluffy texture when cooked make it premium in
global markets.
4. Geographical Indication: The quinoa's origin in Bolivia adds a unique branding opportunity,
tying it to authenticity and tradition.
APS can leverage these factors by emphasizing the premium nature of Royal Quinoa, marketing it
as a gourmet, organic, and ethically sourced product.
SWOT Analysis for APS Leveraging Bolivian Royal Quinoa
Strengths
1. Premium Product: Royal Quinoa’s high quality and nutritional profile set it apart in global
markets.
2. Geographical Exclusivity: Bolivian origin can be marketed as a unique selling proposition
(USP), appealing to conscious consumers.
3. Social Impact: APS's focus on empowering local farmers aligns with growing consumer
preference for ethical sourcing.
4. Growing Demand for Superfoods: The global trend toward health-conscious eating boosts
quinoa's market demand.
Weaknesses
1. High Production Costs: The exclusivity and manual farming processes increase costs, making
it expensive.
2. Dependence on One Region: Production is limited to a specific geographical area, increasing
vulnerability to climate and geopolitical risks.
3. Limited Awareness: Many consumers may not differentiate Royal Quinoa from other
varieties without targeted marketing.
Opportunities
1. Export Markets: Expanding to health-conscious markets like North America, Europe, and Asia
could drive growth.
2. Branding and Certification: Obtaining certifications like organic, non-GMO, or Fair Trade can
attract premium prices.
3. Product Diversification: Creating value-added products like quinoa-based snacks, flours, or
beverages can tap into broader markets.
4. Sustainability Trend: Leveraging Royal Quinoa's low environmental impact compared to other
crops can attract eco-conscious consumers.
Threats
1. Competition: Competing quinoa-producing countries, such as Peru, may offer similar
products at lower prices.
2. Climate Risks: Changing weather patterns could disrupt production in the high-altitude
region.
3. Market Volatility: Fluctuations in global demand and prices for quinoa could affect
profitability.
4. Imitation Products: Non-Bolivian quinoa marketed as “premium” could dilute Royal Quinoa's
exclusivity.
Strategic Implications
To capitalize on the strengths and opportunities, APS should:
Build strong branding around Royal Quinoa's Bolivian origin, emphasizing its quality and
social impact.
Focus on premium market positioning with certifications and storytelling about ethical
sourcing.
Explore diversification to create a broader product line.
Mitigate risks by establishing robust supply chain systems and exploring partnerships for
international distribution.
