B-Harmony: Building Small Business and Small Nonprofits Partnerships that Thrive (A Framework for Collaborative Competition)

Abstract

This paper outlines a conceptual framework for how small businesses and small nonprofits can form collaborative partnerships and gain competitive advantage in local business environments. Building upon prior research in strategic management and normative business ethics, this paper explores the theoretical conditions for collaborative competition and explains why small business and small nonprofit partnerships stand as a unique model for successful collaborative competition. Particular attention is given to understanding the social dimensions of commerce and community service while the issues of intellectual capital and stakeholder interests are also examined.

Keywords: Small Business, Small Nonprofits, Partnerships, Intellectual Capital, Collaborative Competition