Community Business in 2030

Drawing on the views and experiences of more than 40 community businesses and 20 experts, Community Business in 2030 illustrates the transformative effect the sector could have on both local people’s lives and society as a whole. To turn the vision into a reality, however, the researchers, Forum for the Future, say eight big shifts are needed – including building a collective sense of purpose. The report suggests a series of priority actions for a range of actors in the system – from community businesses and infrastructure organisations, to government and citizens. The report, commissioned by Power to Change, predicts that by the end of the next decade, community businesses will have proven that there’s a radically more inclusive, democratic way to run local economies – owning assets, sharing power, and putting people first. As a well-established part of the UK economy, they will have transformed lives, while contributing to bigger shifts in society – redefining meaningful work, regenerating the natural world, and enabling people to impact global issues, locally.