Supporting local people
Lots of people need some extra help in life, perhaps because they are older, disabled or have a long-term health condition.
Their needs could include:
- help to look after themselves
- support with their home or garden
- help to get out and about, or meet friends
- help to enjoy hobbies or find work
Small independent local services
A community enterprise is a small local service that offers people the support they need to live the life they want – often helping with care, housing, community or health matters.
Typically a community enterprise:
- has 8 or fewer full-time staff or volunteers
- is independent – not part of a larger organisation
- offers support in a way that puts people first
Community enterprises tend to be personal, flexible and responsive. Their small size means they are also known as 'community micro-enterprises' or 'micro providers'. They can be fully commercial or run by volunteers, full-time or part-time, or a mixture of these.
Types of community enterprise
A community enterprise could be a:
- sole trader
- partnership
- social enterprise
- not-for-profit, charity or voluntary organisation
People can pay for their services using either:
- their own money
- direct payments or personal budgets from us, which they can decide how to spend
Find out more
Go to Community Catalysts to find out more about community enterprises, or contact us about running a community micro-enterprise.