Bokeo Social Enterprise (BsE)Bokeo Social Enterprise (BsE) was created by four partners in 2008. An innovative private company, and in close operating partnership with the villagers, it employs a social business model to support development through entrepreneurship. BsE's main aims are to promote local products and private economic initiatives in rural communities in Northern Laos. Our focus on economic development is also informed by the environmental reality of quickly depleting forest resources around these communities. Therefore, preserving indigenous knowledge on natural resource management is also an integral part of our skills training and income generation activities with the local population.Upgrading and promoting family-based enterprises in Nam Keung Kao village in Northern Laos was identified for a pilot project. To showcase BsE's capacity and potential for development through self-help initiatives, the project focuses on the improvement of working conditions, productivity, quality control and packaging of the production of artisan agro-food products. Environmental-friendly and sustainable energy solutions are sought through partnerships with local authorities.The villagers expressed their strong desire to create a Community Training Centre. The Centre aims to increase their cash income through strengthening skills and capitalizing on traditional knowledge. The villagers intend to eventually become independent and self-reliant through business opportunities by developing and expanding their product range.