£5m for Enterprising Communities
Almost £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,
announced last week.
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 WCVA and will be delivered
locally through Pembrokeshire Association of
Voluntary Services (PAVS). For further information
on how the project can support local groups contact
Liz Cook on 01437 769422 or email liz.cook@pavs.org.uk
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.”