Members of the ACRE Network work within and without communities to help create better economic opportunities for rural communities.
At a strategic level, our members work with local government and other stakeholders to influence decisions that influence the local economy, for example the provision of broadband to remote areas. They have also previously delivered EU LEADER schemes which provided support and grant funding to help people set up innovative and diverse enterprises benefiting their rural community.
Many ACRE members offer more hands-on support to rural communities too. This can be in the form of skills-based training such as the Building Bridges programme operated by Community First, Wiltshire & Swindon, or helping young people get to work on loaned scooters as part of the Wheels to Work scheme in Derbyshire.
The ACRE Network also works closely with Plunkett UK to inspire and support communities to set up community businesses which are often the only way that local communities can save valued services and jobs.
