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The Village Enterprises

Creating Opportunity. Building Self Reliance

Mission + Enterprise = Sustainability

One of our 9 beliefs at The Other Side is that work is a fundamental principle of happiness. Striving and contributing are the calisthenics of self-respect. We create our sense of dignity by striving cooperatively for self-reliance as a Village.

What does this mean?

The Village will have a mix of retail businesses and social enterprises designed to help us become self-sustaining over time. Our goal is to raise funds for capital costs and pay for ongoing operational costs with the funds from our entrepreneurial endeavors. These endeavors also provide onsite employment opportunities for the residents of the Village.

The Village Enterprises Thrift Store

What type of businesses and social enterprises will I find at the Village?

We’re still working on the details! We’re asking the community now what they would like to see. Feel free to weigh in HERE!

In the meantime, here are a few ideas we’re working on:

The Other Side Village grocery store

Food-Based Businesses

The Other Side Village Enterprises food preparation

Possible Social Enterprises

A gathering place at The Other Side Village

Community Gathering Spots

  • AirBNBs
  • Community Event Center
  • Food Truck Park
  • Artist Studios

Will residents be required to work if they live in The Other Side Village?

We believe that meaningful work and achievement are basic principles of human happiness. No one in the Village will be required to work either in one of the Village’s social enterprises or for third-party business.

We will encourage villagers to engage in meaningful activity and development of their potential according to their abilities. They will be paid a fair wage for the work they do.

Social Enterprise woodworking shop The Other Side Village

What is a “Social Enterprise?”

Social Enterprises are businesses that focus on social good and change as part of the business model. At The Village, they will have 3 purposes:

  • Operational self-reliance – making money to support the ongoing operations at The Other Side Village
  • Opportunities for employment – meaningful work for residents that are tailored to their abilities 
  • Creating connections – building a positive relationship between the Village and the surrounding community