lmost £5m will be invested to help community organisations develop into sustainable local enterprises following an EU funding boost, Deputy Minister for European Programmes Alun Davies has announced.
The Enterprising Communities project will engage with organisations and individuals across West Wales and the Valleys, offering advice and support to those wishing to find out about how to run a sustainable local enterprise.
Individuals and organisations with viable business ideas will be provided with tailored business and financial expertise to help them develop new income streams and build a more financially sustainable future. The benefits will be the creation of new, sustainable enterprises offering goods and services and creating jobs for their local communities.
Amongst the activities likely to get underway include renewable energy, leisure and tourism initiatives, as well as childcare provision and training.
Backed with £3.5m from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, the project is managed by third sector umbrella body Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and will be delivered locally through Wales’ network of county voluntary councils.
Deputy Minister for European Programmes, Alun Davies, said: “This EU investment will help meet the needs of local communities by supporting the creation and growth of sustainable enterprises that can deliver beneficial services, create employment opportunities and strengthen local economies. “
WCVA Chief Executive Graham Benfield commented: “The Enterprising Communities project will provide support services in a range of areas including finance, organisational improvement and volunteer development.
“In practice, this might mean advice on organisational structures and business plans, or implementing quality assurance systems and good employment practices.
“It will also help community organisations identify new ways of generating income and opportunities to work with the private and public sectors.
“Any third sector organisation in West Wales and the Valleys that has an income-generating idea or would like to develop their current enterprise can benefit from this project.”