-To develop the skillsets and competencies of learners on the concepts of community-led local development and community owned enterprises in encouraging communities to acquire a more entrepreneurial mindset and to encourage participants to take a more active role in addressing the challenges facing their community or territory. -To develop a course syllabus and associated teaching and learning resources, with a possible focus on community enterprise models and finance that also encourage the participation of interested stakeholders that reinforce the existing community networks.
The project was designed to address the key need to develop a blended learning programme, accompanied by practical and accessible resources, capable of catering to a wide range of stakeholders (students, higher education institutions, accreditation and local development agencies, as well as entrepreneurs and social innovators). With this regard, the creation of a repository of digital tools geared towards the development of community-based enterprises contributes both to the generation of economic and entrepreneurial opportunities and to the promotion of social inclusion and active participation. In addition, the aim is to foster new community-based enterprises as a key driver for strengthening civic engagement, by encouraging the active involvement of citizens in addressing local challenges through collaborative and sustainable approaches. Finally, the project addresses the need to equip university graduates and social innovators with the knowledge, skills and competencies that enable them to empathise with the challenges facing their local areas, whilst also empowering vulnerable groups to act effectively in disadvantaged contexts.