Thank you for your interest in participating in this short survey regarding opportunities and challenges for non-profits to acquire local businesses that are at risk of closure due to lack of a succession plan. The following contains information about the study and outlines your rights so you can make an informed choice to complete this survey.
Who are the researchers? This research is being conducted in partnership between Scale Collaborative and Royal Roads University. The principal investigator is an assistant professor at Royal Roads University. The research is funded by a Social Sciences Humanities Research Council and the Province of British Columbia’s Rural Dividend Fund. To contact one of the researchers, please see their contact information at the end of this consent form.
What is this study about? The study explores the feasibility of acquiring local businesses that are at risk of closure due to a lack of succession planning. In theory, this is a win-win proposition for non-profits and local business owners seeking to transition ownership of their business. Buying an existing business allows non-profits to leapfrog the risky start-up stage associated with establishing a social enterprise. Selling to a non-profit owner allows local business owners to exit while ensuring their business continues to serve their community. That said, in practice, this approach can be complex and challenging. This research seeks to identify these challenges and develop guidance, frameworks and models for overcoming them. If you are interested in learning more, please see
here.
What is expected of you? The survey is expected to take 10-15 minutes to complete. The questions will refer to your views, opinions, preferences, and some data about your organization.
Why participate? (benefit) Your participation in this research will provide valuable information to inform the design of tools, frameworks and other resources to address the dual challenges of small business succession planning and the growing interest of non-profits and communities in operating social enterprises.
What are the anticipated uses of the data collected? In addition to sharing our final report with participants in the study, we will be sharing the research in the form of academic journal articles, case studies, guides/training materials and presentations. The aggregated survey results will be summarized, in anonymous format, in the final report. Your comments will remain anonymous, unless you agree to be identified. All documentation will be kept strictly confidential.
How will your confidentiality and anonymity be protected? Your participation is completely voluntary. If you choose to participate, you are free to withdraw from the survey at any time prior to submission of your responses. Please note, once you have submitted the survey and the data becomes part of an anonymized dataset, it cannot be withdrawn unless you have provided personal identification information. Similarly, if you choose not to participate in this research project, this information will be maintained in confidence. In the event that your survey response is processed and stored in the United States (e.g., through SurveyMonkey), you are advised that its governments, courts, or law enforcement and regulatory agencies may be able to obtain disclosure of the data through the laws of the United States.