After 5 years, the Local Entrepreneur Forum has been incredibly effective. It is the focal point of the REconomy work in Totnes, facilitating practical support for enterprising change makers, engaging and including the wider community in a powerful new economic narrative, and catalysing the emergence of an entrepreneurial culture. The event brings entrepreneurs and investors together for learning, connecting and support, where everyone is part of the ‘Community of Dragons’ and can invest in the kind of enterprises – and local economy – they want to see in their community. In this session you’ll learn:

• how it works as an event and an ongoing strategic platform for ‘REconomy work’
• about our results: financial and non-financial investments, new firms, livelihoods, etc.
• why this can model can work anywhere – it already has in Gothenburg and Brixton
• what tools and resources are available to support you implementing the LEF in your community

Led by Jay Tompt, a coordinator of the Totnes REconomy Project, social enterprise consultant and activist. Since 2011, the Totnes REconomy Project has launched innovative economic regeneration and resilience building projects, such as the Local Entrepreneur Forum and the REconomy Centre. He has been leading workshops and giving talks about this work and on community-led economics, across Europe and Japan.

Prior to moving to the UK from San Francisco, Jay spent 10 years as entrepreneur and consultant in the ‘green business movement’, after a 12-year career in Silicon Valley. Jay holds an MBA from the Monterey Institute of International Studies and a BA in Philosophy from San Jose State University.

The workshop will take place between 10am-4pm on Saturday November 19th, at the REconomy Centre on Leechwell St. The cost is by gift - if you would like to book please send an email to jay at transitiontowntotnes.org.