A new community project can start in many ways. It might come from an opportunity identified by community members, an idea to create local jobs, a need that isn’t being met, or a desire to make better use of community assets and resources.
Whatever the idea, taking some time at the beginning to understand what you want to achieve – and why – can help create stronger foundations for the project.
Here are some things to think about when getting started.
1. Start with the community
Successful community projects should reflect the priorities, needs and aspirations of the community.
Before developing detailed plans, spend time talking with community members, leaders and other people who may be involved or affected.
What does the community want to achieve? Is there support for the idea? Who needs to be involved in the conversation?
Starting with these discussions can help build a shared understanding of the project and its purpose.
2. Be clear about what you want to achieve
It can be tempting to jump straight into what a project will look like, but first think about the outcome you are trying to create.
For example, is the aim to create employment? Generate income for the community? Provide a needed service? Develop an existing asset? Create opportunities for future generations?
Having a clear purpose makes it easier to assess different options and make decisions as the project develops.
3. Understand what you already have
Communities often have valuable resources and strengths that can help bring an idea to life.
These might include land, buildings, local knowledge, cultural knowledge, existing businesses, skilled community members, relationships or natural assets.
Understanding what is already available – as well as what might be missing – is a useful starting point for deciding what is possible.
4. Test the idea
Before investing significant time or money, it’s important to understand whether the idea is achievable.
Depending on the project, this might mean considering:
- Who will use or pay for the product or service?
- Is there enough demand?
- What will the project cost to establish and operate?
- What skills and resources will be needed?
- Are there permits, approvals or other requirements?
- How could the project generate enough income or resources to continue?
Finding challenges at this stage doesn’t necessarily mean stopping. It gives you an opportunity to adapt the idea before making bigger commitments.
5. Think about who will lead it
A good idea also needs people and structures around it to make it happen.
Consider who will be responsible for making decisions, managing the project and keeping things moving.
Clear roles and responsibilities can help everyone understand who is doing what and support good decision-making as the project progresses.
6. Develop a practical plan
Once there is a clear idea and shared direction, start breaking the project into achievable steps.
Your plan doesn’t need to be complicated. Start by identifying what needs to happen, who is responsible, what resources are required and when each step should happen.
Large projects can take time. Breaking them into smaller actions can make progress easier to manage and measure.
7. Consider what will make it sustainable
It’s important to think beyond getting a project started.
Consider what will need to be in place for the project to continue over the longer term. That could include reliable income, capable people, good governance, appropriate systems and processes, ongoing community support and strong partnerships.
Thinking about sustainability early can help build a project that continues to create value for the community into the future.
You don’t have to work it all out at once
Community economic development takes time. Ideas may change as more information becomes available, new opportunities emerge and the community works through what is achievable.
Many Rivers’ Community Economic Development program works alongside Indigenous community organisations to strengthen planning, governance and management, identify viable economic opportunities and turn community priorities into practical action.
Our approach is based on working with communities, not for communities, building the capability and foundations for communities to pursue their own long-term economic goals.
Find out more about Many Rivers Community Economic Development and how we work with Indigenous communities.