So often I speak with people in regional communities who are frustrated with how slowly change happens. They can see and feel the problems, and despite their best efforts things just don’t shift. Or they shift for a while, then the grant runs out, or a great staff member or volunteer leaves and the momentum
Want change? Start with what you need, not what’s on offer Read More
Of the 789,645 businesses based in regional Australia a whopping 97% are considered small, that is employing 0-19 people (ABS, 2023). When someone decides to establish a business in a regional area they do so knowing (or just about to find out) they will face a range of challenges that will at some point impact
The role of local procurement in building regional capability Read More
I first learned the term ‘social enterprise’ around 2009 when I was managing an Aboriginal Corporation and my funding partner had told me we had 24 months to make the entity sustainable. The entity was essentially a community centre i.e. an entity established to support the community and act as a conduit to valuable services
Why it’s time to invest in rural social enterprise eco-systems Read More
Of course there are some shining examples of thriving #mainstreets throughout regional Australia (#highlight them for me if you will in the comments), however, many of the regional town I visit are really struggling. Why? As Ready Communities co-founder Chad Renando and I have discovered as we’ve spent time in our pilot community, Kempsey NSW
Reimagining the role of our main streets. Commerce or connection? Read More