Models to Support Entrepreneurial Activities in Developing Countries: Community Development

Abstract

The necessity and effectiveness of micro-level techniques for reaching the most vulnerable have been strongly established over the years. However, most micro-enterprise programmes have historically centred on individual success. Although individual achievement is valuable, an individualistic strategy may jeopardise community and sustainable development because such a strategy is more interested in the economic growth of single entities rather than community wellbeing with the addition of social
and ecological objectives.
While micro-enterprises are often small scale, vulnerable to competition, under-capitalised and unable to generate many jobs, community-based enterprises have, on the contrary, the potential to be of a larger scale, generate more jobs and return benefit to the community beyond the owner. Local community involvement and the development of social capital are identified as significant elements of success in any model aiming to reduce poverty.