In this issue, we are sharing some of the practical ways that communities can generate their own place based capital to create more resilient, thriving places. And we are excited to share some upcoming learning opportunities with you, including the EDA Roadshow Event (featuring Neil McInroy and some of our Ethical Fields Team and Place Based Capital Network members), and our Place Based Capital Learning Series.

Let’s continue building resilient, thriving communities together!

Beating the grant cycle – Five ideas for communities to create their own place based capital.

One of the most common frustrations that we hear from communities is their reliance on external sources of funding. Communities know what their local needs are, the opportunities that exist and the aspirations of their local people. Yet they feel constrained by the criteria of grants and government funding and bound by ‘the grant cycle’. It’s one reason why we see place based capital as being so important.

So how can communities generate their own capital? In SO many ways! But here’s five ideas to kickstart your thinking!

1. Establish programs and initiatives to increase the savings of local people.
Supporting local people to increase their savings, builds the potential pool of financial capital in your community.

2. Tap into emerging environmental markets.
Communities can engage in environmental markets like carbon or biodiversity markets, by preserving or restoring local natural capital like forests, wetlands, or grasslands.

3. Start or purchase a local enterprise that can generate a profit.
This could be anything – a local supermarket, bakery, pub, training facility, childcare centre.

4. Offer co-working spaces, subsidised commercial spaces or an industrial kitchen.
These can support local entrepreneurs and help to cultivate new place based businesses that generate local capital.

5. Foster place based businesses and enterprises that reinvest back into your community.
Small businesses are champions at this! Certain business types like cooperatives and social enterprises can also support this outcome.

Grants, government funding and external parties all have a role to play in funding the needs and aspirations of a community. But a community empowered to generate place based capital can be a powerful means to a more resilient, self-sufficient thriving economy and place.

An invitation to our upcoming Place Based Capital Learning Series Sessions

Are you looking for ways to foster community-led development, unlock new sources of funding, establish community-owned enterprises, assets, services or build more equitable and resilient local economies and communities?

Join us for our learning series that explores in-depth, actionable strategies and solutions for strengthening local communities through place based capital.

“I’m really excited for the possibilities of Place Based Capital to strengthen local social capital and cohesion, and to enable community members access and opportunity to drive solutions for local challenges like housing, energy and justice transition”.
– Participant, Fundamentals of Place Based Capital

We’d love you to join the learning journey.

Fundamentals of Place Based Capital’ workshop

Our next Fundamentals of Place Based Capital Workshop is on Thursday, 27 March 2025.

This workshop offers the essential building blocks of place based capital. The session will equip you with the basics of capital—money, assets, and resources—and how they impact local communities and economies. You’ll gain foundational knowledge on place based capital, explore how it differs from traditional systems, and preview key topics for future sessions in the Place Based Capital Learning Series.

Find more information and register here.

The EDA 2025 National Roadshow – Featuring Neil McInroy

We are excited by the momentum that is building to explore new ways of economic thinking. Economic Development Australia is hosting a number of gatherings for practitioners around Australia to learn how progressive models for economic development, including the wellbeing economy, doughnut economics, place-based capital, community-led regeneration and Community Wealth Building are transforming communities worldwide.

The Roadshow features an in depth keynote presentation by Neil McInroy, a world leader in community wealth building, and includes presenters from our Ethical Fields team and the Place Based Capital Network.

We are sure it will be a game changing series of events!

For more information and to register: EDA National Roadshow

Looking for a partner to support you with implementing some of these solutions in your community?

Get in touch at mailto:[email protected] [email protected]