Entrepreneurship is in Bastian’s blood, but it must serve a purpose. His deep passion for social entrepreneurship ultimately led him on a journey to Afghanistan.
After studying Economics and Law at university, Bastian began working for a bank. “But after a while, I felt there had to be more. It was very one-sided, and I missed the human dimension in my work.” He went on to complete an MA in International Development, but it still didn’t quite feel right. Eventually, Bastian became involved with an organisation dedicated to helping people by building local businesses around the world. “I’d never encountered anything like it before; a brilliant combination of commerce and sustainability.”
Profit maximisation
Bastian: “At the end of the day, people need to make a living. Earning money isn’t a bad thing, but you have to ask yourself: why am I making a profit? Social entrepreneurship isn’t just about maximising profits; it’s about building a strong company that can stand on its own. It’s about the positive impact you can have on the lives of your employees and your community.”
Bastian has been involved in developing several social enterprises. He worked on a project in Ukraine—a farm where people struggling with addiction could spend their days. The project generated its own revenue to fund the rehabilitation programme. Later, he co-founded a chocolate company with a business partner, creating opportunities for people who had been long-term unemployed and helping them return to the workforce.
Afghanistan
His passion for social entrepreneurship eventually took him to Afghanistan. “In 2016, I was introduced to a foundation whose mission is to support local entrepreneurship in Afghanistan. We started with just two enthusiastic entrepreneurs and a shed housing 3,500 chickens. Imported poultry meat was both poor in quality and very expensive.” The business soon gained traction, and many farmers in the region began to adopt the concept. From there, a cooperative for joint purchasing was established, along with a chicken feed company and a slaughterhouse.
Bastian: “In Afghanistan, I saw all the elements of social entrepreneurship come together. The business generated revenue in a sustainable way, the employees were happy working there, and the company had a positive impact on the local economy. Today, more than five hundred people are involved in the poultry industry in this region of Afghanistan, able to support their families. That’s the true power of social enterprise!”
Making a difference
“Everyone has the potential to make a positive difference, to help others, and to add value in the world. But people need the opportunity. I want to provide that opportunity. In just five years, the two young men founded and built an entire industry in Afghanistan. With the right support, people can achieve almost anything they set their minds to.”
