Community Enterprise is a process, in which people work together in their communities to develop the capacity to undertake commercial activities that are often missing  in many cases the needs are identified by the Communities.  

The businesses they create are managed by a volunteer board of directors on behalf of the community, as with private businesses staff handle the day to day running.

The Board are responsible for the training and volunteering opportunities for all staff, as well as capital acquisition for the business which is then in community ownership.

Community Enterprise provides opportunities for people, often in disadvantaged communities, who have no previous knowledge or interest in business, to become involved in economic activity.  It also gives local people an avenue for practical input into the economic and social well being of their community. 

It translates community development into local job creation in many cases.

Community Enterprise can turn a local community group into a Community Business -a Company Limited by Guarantee, a Credit Union, a Social Firm or a Co-operative.