Our approach

We want a future where more communities in England run businesses that give them the power to change what matters to them.

Through community business, we believe people can create more resilient places that are better to live and work in for everyone. To realise this vision, we are shaping the conditions for community business to thrive.

We want to see:

Communities fully utilise their power

Through community business, communities have a greater say in the decisions that affect them.

 

Communities contribute to an economy that works for people and planet

Through community business, communities balance enterprise and purpose to build prosperous local economies.

 

Communities achieve their aspirations and are resilient in the face of challenges

Through community business, communities make meaningful connections and build their social capital.

 

How we’ll achieve this

We’re constantly demonstrating, testing and learning

To see what works for community business. We work with policymakers, funders, community businesses, and our partners to turn these ideas into action.

We’re driven by our principles

We are open, bold, and informed. We collaborate. And we’re authentic.

It’s shows in everything we do. We believe in backing innovative and exciting approaches, and we are committed to learning and reflection. We believe in openness and working with others, and this is demonstrated through our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Community business at the heart of all we do

Most importantly, we believe in being grounded in community business, which helps us stay true to our purpose of shaping the conditions for community business to thrive.  To ensure we remain grounded in community business we keep community businesses at the heart of all we do; we nurture open, trusting and reciprocal relationships with a diverse range of community businesses; and we include community businesses in our decision-making and governance.