Enterprise

From Norfolk RCC

Rural Community Enterprise Project

When local businesses die in rural communities, the effect on that community's survival is dramatic. Community (and social) enterprises are an important part of the way to stem the decline in these areas. The stronger the enterprise then the greater the effect on the population.

What is a Community Enterprise? It is an organisation / company/ business that is at the heart of the community and provides an invaluable service which ultimately strengthens the social bond. All income / profits generated are re-invested into the enterprise, to strengthen the operation, or invest in other community projects.

It can be as basic as the Village Hall or as complex as a local co-operative marketing various local products to a wider audience. My role is to help create stronger, forward thinking enterprises by analysing all the areas of support available and to assess which are the most relevant. In addition to assess what is not available and needed to strengthen the support and direction of these organisations.

But even more important will be the need to gain a clear understanding of what precisely local rural enterprises say they need. What works, what doesn't and why? To succeed I need complete help from the rural communities. For more information contact: Peter Smith, peternorfolkrcc.org.uk