The Nine Sections
1. Value Proposition
Why would a user switch from a "free" (surveillance-funded) alternative? The value is usually trust and ownership.
2. Revenue Model
How will you survive without ads or VC money? (e.g., SaaS, Open Core, cooperative membership).
3. Cost Structure
Can you operate leaner than megacorps? Sovereignty businesses often rely on "slow growth" and low burn rates.
4. Three Pillars Integrity
Does the business model violate Declaration, Connection, or Ground? (e.g., if you sell user data to pay bills, you fail this check).
5. Governance
Who makes the decisions? Is there a "Kill Switch" for the community if the founders sell out?
6. Legal Structure
LLC, B-Corp, Co-op, or Non-Profit? The legal container must match the mission.
7. Competitive Advantage
Your advantage is usually trust. Users know you can't rug-pull them because the architecture prevents it.
8. Growth Strategy
How do you grow without "growth hacking" or spamming? Relies on organic, community-led adoption.
9. Sustainability Timeline
When do you break even? (The "Ramens Profitability" metric). Real sovereignty begins at break-even.
Field Notes
The Difference: The Archive Business Canvas is for non-profit memory institutions. The Foundry Canvas is for for-profit businesses that build the tools (the Anvil). Both require sustainability, but via different engines.