How can a council help local people turn their skills and experience into sustainable care and support businesses?
In an account published on 25 September 2026, Community Catalysts describes its work with Lancashire County Council to develop a community micro-enterprise programme. The partnership connects enterprise development with the regulations, safeguarding responsibilities, and practical guidance needed to provide personalised support.
Alongside programme design, four 'Thinking Outside the Box' workshops helped social care practitioners explore local assets and community alternatives through case studies and an interactive exercise.
The programme was still approaching launch in that account. Its stated aims include widening choice, creating local employment, and retaining investment in communities; these are intentions rather than evaluated results from the new Lancashire programme.
For commissioners, it offers a useful account of the support needed to develop a more varied local care market.
Read the full Lancashire account. Thanks to Community Catalysts for sharing the work.