Who We Are
The birth of the Social Business Development Company is a decisive step forward on the path of the Saint Lawrence Foundation’s Mission.
The Mission is focused on moving Sierra Leone out of poverty through strengthening proper University education of a new class of young graduates, professionally prepared and devoted to the Common Good. Besides it implies the promotion of a radical change of mind, i.e. that, instead of looking for jobs not available in the country and therefore emigrating, they would become creators of work and sustainable development. A priority is to be Agriculture and its supply chain, the country’s largest growth area.
SBD has developed from such seeds.
The Social Business Development’s trustees are the Bishop of Makeni and the Vice Chancellor and Principal of Makeni University. They provide oversight for the company, whereas company management is entrusted to a CEO appointed by the Zanchi family. A team of experts hired by SLF offer additional support.
The Mission is focused on moving Sierra Leone out of poverty through strengthening proper University education of a new class of young graduates, professionally prepared and devoted to the Common Good. Besides it implies the promotion of a radical change of mind, i.e. that, instead of looking for jobs not available in the country and therefore emigrating, they would become creators of work and sustainable development. A priority is to be Agriculture and its supply chain, the country’s largest growth area.
SBD has developed from such seeds.
The Social Business Development’s trustees are the Bishop of Makeni and the Vice Chancellor and Principal of Makeni University. They provide oversight for the company, whereas company management is entrusted to a CEO appointed by the Zanchi family. A team of experts hired by SLF offer additional support.
Our Targets
Promoting Sustainable Development with priority in the Agriculture and Food Supply Chain
- To undertake projects aimed at creating in Sierra Leone Social Business initiatives in agro-products and related activities;
- To create /develop J.V. with, and provide support to, existing companies in the same area, based on the principle of Social Business Development;
- To support the University and the Diocese of Makeni in research studies and charitable activities respectively, both focused on fostering social development and living standard improvement;
- To support the Government of Sierra Leone in its efforts to enhance the standard of living through Social Enterprises and Business Development.
Communities’ Development
- To create and support training programmes in agro-production ;
- To undertake community development and social organization activities, as well as sensitization programmes, on issues related to the Agricultural sector and the Social Business;
- To promote the so called “Farmer to Fork” concept, through the development, in the farming communities, of organic and sustainable cultivation practices, backed by viable and reliable supply chains in agro-production.
- To support the establishment of companies promoting “Fair Trade” and a participative production work model, through interacting with small farm holders and local communities.
Research objectives in collaboration with the University of Makeni.
- Among them, the creation of a center of excellence in Sierra Leone for research related to Agro-production and social business development.