How social enterprise can rejuvenate rural communities

Join Matt Pfahlert, one of Australia’s pioneering social entrepreneurs who is helping to shape rural Australia, in a special masterclass on how we can achieve rural rejuvenation.

Over the past 50 years, more than 70 per cent of rural communities in inland Australia have experienced significant decline. This has been caused by a combination of changing economic and social realities and government and commercial policies  –  compounded by changing industry dynamics, population decline, climate change, and now COVID-19.

Despite significant investment, there remains a chronic lack of entrepreneurship education and support for young people in rural Australia and the communities in which they live. But more government support is not the long-term answer.

So what does it take to revitalise a declining rural community? Australia’s rural communities need to simultaneously build economic, social, cultural and creative capital. In this session we'll look at how to take a "whole-of-community" approach to developing an entrepreneurship ecosystem that will help communities thrive into the future.

In this masterclass, Matt will shine a spotlight on ways real-life rural changemakers are using the business model of social enterprise to devise and build out enterprises that simultaneously create new economic opportunities and deliver social impact for communities. 

He will also unpack the model of community-led rejuvenation and share tips on how to work effectively with rural communities who are looking for a new future.

What will this masterclass cover?

• The impact and benefits of a community-led rejuvenation model
  
• How social enterprise can create new economic opportunities for rural communities
• Case studies of rural changemakers using the community-led rejuvenation model 
• Tips for effectively working with and alongside rural communities who want to create a new future

What can I expect from this masterclass?

You’ll come away from the masterclass with new insights about community-led rejuvenation and the role that social enterprises play in rural communities. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from social entrepreneurs who are driving change in their community – with incredible results. And finally, you’ll take away tangible tips for incorporating this work into your own communities and/or organisations.

Who is this masterclass for?

Anyone with an interest in the future of rural communities and social enterprise. If you are working in the broader community sector you will also benefit from the insights and tangible actions the masterclass promises to deliver.

Meet your presenter:

Matt Pfahlert, CEO, Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE)

Matt is the co-founder of ACRE, a social enterprise that works alongside communities to unlock the power of entrepreneurship to create opportunities and solve local issues. One of Australia’s pioneering social entrepreneurs, Matt is helping to shape rural Australia through igniting entrepreneurship in young people and their communities.

Matt started his first social enterprise in 1993 at the age of 23, working with "at risk" young people in wilderness settings. His passion and drive for positive social outcomes saw him receive the prestigious Young Australian of the Year Award in 1996.

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