The Honey Bee Initiative has partnered with MVLE to make candles from beeswax collected through HBI hives. Operating since 1971, Virginia-based MVLE, Inc. provides employment training and job placement for people with intellectual and physical disability.
Currently, HBI produces a limited quantity of honey, candles, and other products sourced from bee hives managed through the program. Students in marketing, management, and communication classes at Mason’s School of Business proposed a sustainable business model that included the sale of honey, candles, and other bee-related products as a revenue stream. When HBI set a goal to expand the candle production, it turned to new partner MVLE to help. Individuals supported by MVLE’s programs will manufacture and sell the candles. Ultimately, the goal is to provide MVLE clients with meaningful employment through making and selling tea light and taper candles.
MVLE is an internationally accredited agency that partners with more than 125 commercial businesses in addition to government and other not-for-profit agencies. MVLE supports over 450 individuals with disabilities and other barriers each year, with a commitment to creating futures, one person at a time.