During a trip to Vermont a few years ago, we stumbled upon the idea of Community Supported Enterprises (CSEs) and found it a wonderful way to create a partnership that supports our yoga community. CSEs are partly funded by local residents, who in return have a stake in the enterprise. We have seen CSEs mostly in Vermont where the people come together and invest in local businesses that will benefit the community. Their contributions are paid back in goods and services. We are grateful to have done something similar – bring our yoga students together to create Greenville Yoga.
The following is from a magazine inVermont,Vermont’s Local Banquet,Winter 2009. “The [CSE] idea is modeled in part after community-supported agriculture (CSA), in which people pay a lump sum to a farmer at the start of a growing season and receive meat and/or produce throughout the season. Similarly, the CSE model allows businesses to receive a chunk of capital at the beginning of a significant project, when it’s needed most; in return, community members get to invest in their community in tangible ways and to contribute to the success of a local resource they consider valuable. Every CSE is unique, but all of them establish and strengthen local relationships, the very existence of which forms the foundation of true community.”
We are honored to be the first Community Supported Enterprise in Greenville. Students at Greenville Yoga contributed over $15,000 to our goal of $25,000. The CSE supporters enabled us to open with minimal debt so we can continue to offer affordable yoga to our community. Currently, we offer the lowest priced yoga classes in the country with classes ranging from $5-$10. We feel it is extremely important that everyone can attend yoga, regardless of income. Helping offset our start-up costs has ensured our financial stability and has allowed our school to grow without fear or financial hardship.
It has meant a world of difference to us to open our doors with such great support from our students. We opened at the end of September 2010. Our classes are still growing and we are forever indebted to Max Strom for teaching our first workshop in November 2010. His book signing and yoga classes were comfortable with 50 students in each. It was a great way to energize the new space.
Thank you to all of the amazing students at Greenville / North Main Yoga who came together to help us open another school. This was truly a community effort to get our doors up and running. It has taken a village. We thank you for your continued support of North Main Yoga, and hope that together we can build Greenville Yoga into a true sanctuary and gathering place to better the lives and spirits of the entire community.
With gratitude,
Liz and Brian Delaney
If students contribute to your CSE, would they be able to use the yoga classes at either location?
Yes, you can use classes at either or both locations. Good question!
Thank you to everyone who has emailed us with support of this idea and Greenville Yoga. We are open to any questions you may have. You can ask them here, or you email us for further details.
Namaste and thank you.
Hello,
Could someone point me in the right direction: I Where Can I find a contact number and schedule of classes for Greenville yoga locations?
Thank you
Natasha,
We have a full website at http://www.greenvilleyoga.com Feel free to call us as well with further questions.
Thank you!
Liz