Plunkett has helped guide over 700 groups to set up thriving community businesses across the UK over the past 25 years. Come and join us to benefit from the experience and expertise that could assist your group to open a successful community business and make a real difference to your rural community.

This training workshop, to be held at the Plunkett offices in West Oxfordshire for a maximum of 12 delegates, will guide you through the essential steps to take to create a thriving rural community business. From the initial community consultation through to cutting the ribbon and starting to trade, we’ll cover all you need to know to set your group up for success. Whether it’s a community pub, shop, café, farm or library, this day will provide invaluable advice and guidance. Subjects covered will include;

1) How to consult and engage with your community

2) Setting up the steering group

3) A simple guide to legal and governance considerations

4) Effective business planning

5) Raising the funds – top tips

6) Recruiting volunteers

7) Acquiring premises

8) Sourcing suppliers

9) Opening and starting to trade

This training workshop will be held in the Plunkett training hub in Woodstock, West Oxfordshire, with arrival from 9.30am. The workshop will run from 10am until 3pm with a sandwich lunch provided (please provide any dietary requirements at time of booking). At 3pm, there will be an option to join a Plunkett representative for a visit to a nearby community owned pub or shop to see a local community business ‘in action’.

Setting up a community business can seem a daunting project – this day will help set you on the route to opening a successful venture with a lasting impact on your local community.