Combining Economic Viability and Ecological Commitment: A 20-Year Case Study of an Environmental Enterprise Linked to a Restoration NGO and a University in Spain

The compatibility between economic profitability and environmental commitment remains key in sustainable entrepreneurship research. This study presents a 20-year longitudinal case (2006–2026) of INAMSOS, S.A., a small Spanish environmental enterprise (31 shareholders; initial valuation of €262,500, i.e., the total nominal share capital contributed by shareholders between 2006 and 2009) promoted by an ecological restoration NGO (FIRE) and linked to the University of Alcalá (UAH). The aim is to assess whether a sustainability-inspired business model can simultaneously generate economic, social, and environmental value over time. Data include corporate records, shareholder information, project documentation, and institutional linkages. Economic performance is measured through valuation changes, inflation-adjusted returns, and total shareholder return (TSR). Social and environmental dimensions are assessed via stakeholder engagement, agroecological product distribution, and support for ecological restoration. Results show an accumulated revaluation of 41.4%, above cumulative inflation (~35%), indicating a positive real return. TSR reached 59.5% nominally. Additionally, shareholders received agroecological products valued at €37,495.25 and supported €9812.5 for ecological restoration via FIRE. The case suggests that such hybrid firms can strengthen interactions among the private sector, civil society, and academia, although academic links were weaker than expected. Findings suggest that small hybrid enterprises can create multiple value forms beyond financial metrics and support sustainability transitions. Diversified investments may enhance long-term financial resilience. Evidence supports the feasibility of sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship aligned with European and global ecological restoration targets.