This is an inspiring story about how a group of women in Canada set out to build their community. Over 15 years ago, they bought a bakery, raised the prices and changed the focus. They wanted to see if they could make a living by helping farmers make a living in their small town. I read about it on the
Small Biz Survival Blog.
The women needed $40,000 to get started. They decided to raise the price of bread from 50 cents to $2 a loaf. They would let people know that the higher price was for a good cause (to support local farmers). The bank refused to fund the cafe, so they borrowed from their friends.
"They had no idea if they were right. Everyone told them they weren’t. Everyone told them not to quit their day jobs. Everyone told them they would fail. They figured they wouldn’t be grandiose. For opening day they baked about 30 loaves of bread, 2 dozen muffins and 12 cinnamon buns. When they opened their doors at 10 o’clock … there were 200 people lined up at the door."
Today they support 5 farm families and have 50 employees and another location. They have realized their ideal to build community while making a living.
“It has been an unbelievable journey,” she said. “I am honored to be part of it. I am a tad tired. But show me a baker who isn’t.”
- Tabitha Langel, an owner of Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Tip:
When you're looking for a business to buy think of this story. How you could transform the business to give it added meaning and value? What could you do to contribute to the community while you grow the business?Technorati Tags:
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