COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this time of unraveling systems and urgent transition, we need new models of enterprise—ones that serve community, protect ecosystems, and build economies of enough.

EcoSocial Entrepreneurship is a self-paced, modular course that equips learners to develop real-world business plans while also exploring broader questions of purpose, systems change, and post-growth possibility. Designed for community learners, early-stage entrepreneurs, and those building regenerative local economies, this course blends core business skills with imaginative and relational thinking.

Learners will not only understand how to create a business that works—but also why their work matters in an era marked by ecological breakdown, social fragmentation, and the end of business-as-usual. Each module offers a mix of concrete strategy, contextual guidance, and reflection prompts to help learners grow both practical plans and paradigmatic fluency.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify, articulate, and refine a business idea rooted in purpose, place, and community need
• Understand the components of a business plan—including vision, strategy, legal structure, product development, marketing, operations, finance, and fundraising
• Engage with tools like the Business Model Canvas, Value Proposition Canvas, and OKRs to ground their idea in real-world feasibility
• Explore alternatives to extractive, growth-at-all-costs economics, including post-growth, regenerative, and cooperative models
• Consider their enterprise as part of a broader ecosystem, contributing to vitality, resilience, and care

This course was created through and is part of :

AUDIENCE

This course is for essential entrepreneurs, community members, and dreamers working at the edges of possibility. It is especially supportive for those who:

• Are launching or growing small local businesses with social or ecological purpose
• Have an idea but don’t know where to start
• Are blending business, social initiative, and systems change
• Are seeking ways to contribute to post-growth, regenerative local economies
• Are curious about how business might be used to reweave, repair, or resist in a time of collapse and transition

COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Meet Joe Matta

Joe Matta is a regenerative finance practitioner and sustainability strategist focused on building businesses that serve ecological health and community resilience. As Vice President of Investments at Galway Sustainable Capital, he supports mission-aligned ventures across climate, food, water, and energy sectors. His past work spans sustainable investing, circular economy innovation, and entomology-based food systems, including roles at Sunrise Strategic Partners and Chapul Farms. Joe holds an M.S. in Sustainable Food Systems from the University of Colorado Boulder and a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from Boston College.

Disclaimer: Course descriptions on this webpage are for informational purposes only.  Content may be updated or change as planning evolves.  EcoGather reserves the right to alter the program specifics, including details about course content, instructors, collaborations, field trips, facilities and pricing, at any time without notice.