Community Ownership: How to get started

From pubs and farms to launderettes and lidos, communities are creating democratically controlled, viable, and sustainable businesses. According to Power To Change, there are 7,800 community enterprises in England alone, and the Community Shares Unit reports over 500 businesses established using community shares in the last 10 years. As public funding recedes and the charity sector shrinks, community enterprises provide a creative way to address local needs, with democratic control by the community at the heart of what they do.

Drawing on past successes and good practice, this practical workshop takes a look at how groups can be successful in developing their own community enterprise, introducing critical success factors, top tips, and useful approaches.