A strong, local economy is essential to any healthy rural community. The church building is largest and often underused community asset in a village. We aim to support our local entrepreneurs, community businesses and social enterprises by encouraging more community use of the church building and supporting community and business partnerships. We work alongside partner organisations to do this.

The Plunkett Foundation

The Plunkett Foundation is part of a coalition of organisations primarily focused on faith and historical buildings, and are inviting local communities to co-locate community businesses within active churches and other places of worship.

The video below sets out The Plunkett Foundation’s vision for rural recovery; a vision we share.

Devon Work Hubs

More people than ever are now working from home in our rural areas. Often what people miss is the social contact with colleagues or a quiet space to concentrate. We’re working with Devon Works Hubs to develop small, bookable local work spaces in church buildings. This can be as simple as providing a working area, internet access and a good cup of coffee.

Devon Communities Together

We’re working with Devon Communities Together to talk to existing local businesses and social enterprises to find out more about how we can support them. In partnership with them we aim to produce resources to support people who want to start a community or small business to work in partnership with local churches to better utilise the church building for the benefit of their enterprise, the local community and those who care for the church building.