2. Community Support
It is important to work with the whole community in developing positive attitudes towards enterprise development and in increasing understanding of the contribution of local purchasing to community well being. Key individuals can act as facilitators and catalysts for change and support the development of an “ownership” of enterprises operating locally, sharing skills and the attitude of the community
towards people who start a business is critical. Systems that
encourage positive support for such individuals can have a reinforcing impact and reduce concerns over risk of failure.
All of the feedback from this project shows that the most important element in
the economic development of rural communities is that any plans, programmes, support and activities should come from, be lead by and participated fully in by the community. Indeed the BizFizz approach stipulates that they will not become involved with a programme in a specific area if the community is not behind it. It is the passion of the community that ensures success and that it is tailored to fit their specific requirements.
This does not mean that ideas and stimulus from outside the community cannot act as a catalyst for development, but it is important that the deliverer of any outside ideas is well respected within the community and that the approach is not 'one size fits all', but is developed to fit the requirements of the community. The PLANED work in Pembrokeshire is based on a long track record of community development, with a structured process of community involvement and participation. The project built on its strong base of local community engagement to involve the local business community , using innovative planning tools, such as “Plugging the Leaks” and “Irrigating the Desert“ to develop individual enterprise action plans for each area of Pembrokeshire.
The enterprise development that has taken place as a result of the Ballhoura project in Ireland is also based on a rigorous process with community participation and inclusiveness at it’s heart.
3. Local Resources
Understanding, marketing and maximising use of all local resources including natural resources, physical resources, people skills is an essential element in successful enterprise in rural areas. A “sense of place” is a critical dimension to any successful enterprise
A key premise for the Leader+ programme is 'what makes an area different is also what makes it interesting and marketable. In order to benefit from this it is important for each individual area to take stock of all resources and look at how they can be maximised to increase the amount of business done within the community and the way that the assets of and products produced by the community are marketed successfully to potential consumers both within and outside the community.
Again the planning - 93 - approach shown in the Pembrokeshire project using innovative techniques shows how analysis of local
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