Rural Sustainable Prosperity: Social Enterprise Ecosystems as a Framework for Sustainable Rural Development

The fourth wave of economic development has ushered in social enterprises (SEs) that have the potential to contribute sustainable goals (SDGs) rural regions not prospered under strategies past. This study examines three SEs emerged at different times Appalachian Ohio, a region recognized as area recovering from environmental and health consequences extractive industries poverty over last century. entrepreneurial ecosystem (SEE) this begun thrive recently, rendering now crucial time evaluate conditions led success. Using qualitative methods, cases were coded identify whether present-day Appalachia (1) realize values for natural resource stewardship community wellness addition profits (a triple bottom line), (2) attract external funds are retained local economy, (3) align with SDGs. Evidence these qualities manifested ways across cases. Stage two coding revealed findings university acted catalyzing agent collective action by generational families was foundational capital kick-started each case. As recovers region, opportunities SEE nurture new aligned line will increase Ohio offers model dispersed locations.