Sustainability in Three Social Enterprises in the Tuxtlas Region, Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

One of the models for mitigating the socio-environmental crisis at the regional level is the creation of social enterprises. However, it is essential to create indicators for their evaluation, strengthening and/or consolidation. The aim of this paper was to use sustainability indicators to evaluate and compare three social enterprises in Los Tuxtlas region, Veracruz within a set period. In-depth interviews were conducted with key social actors of social enterprises and the information was subjected to content analysis in order to subsequently apply the sustainability indicators. The social enterprise (SE) “Agua y Monte de Pajapan S. C. de C. V. de R. L.” obtained the best results: three sustainability indicators were maintained and the rest increased. In the Uno Caña Artesanías de Bambú Sociedad Cooperativa Tantoyuca en Acción S. C. de R. L. de C. V Social Enterprise, two indicators were maintained, two grew and two decreased. The “Naturaleza y Cultura Jomxuk S. C. de R. L. de C. V.” SE only maintained one indicator, increased one indicator and decreased the remainder . Although the method is suitable for obtaining first hand, accurate information at low cost, it is useful to undertake this type of work periodically. We consider that the method used in this paper is suitable for the comparison of social enterprises offering various products or services.