Building an inclusive economy through community business

The role of social capital and agency in community business formation in deprived communities

This research explores how community businesses can support the development of a more inclusive economy in deprived communities. The research examines the interconnections between social capital and agency in stimulating social action and developing collective responses to social and economic challenges.

The research was funded through the Power to Change Research Institute’s open research grants programme. This programme aims to support the community business sector and its partners in delivering the evidence the sector needs for its own development, and to make the case for the value of community business.