Abstract
This report looks at the role of community businesses which exist within the foundational economy (the range of goods and services that ensure places can function, and enables people in those places to thrive). With a focus on four places (Grimsby, Leeds, Leicester and Plymouth) this research offers insight into the democratising, empowering, pragmatic and transformative nature of these types of businesses in urban areas.
There are a number of recommendations for policy makers and practitioners which focus on how infrastructure organisations can help to empower community businesses so that the foundational economy can flourish.