Among the 12 finalists of the government's Enterprising Britain Awards— announced in September—are examples of how community efforts can revive local economies—and spirits

The manufacturing borough of Rossendale in Lancashire has hit hard times in recent years. Factories have closed, unemployment has risen and people have left the area. But it is on the road to economic recovery thanks to a group of community leaders.

People Encouraging Enterprise in Rossendale (PEER) has helped over 200 local businesses since 2003. The group comprises a board of around 40 individuals from business and the local community who use their knowledge to help others succeed.

Enterprise facilitator Andy MacNae explains: "Half the people we help come from the most deprived parts of this borough and for us to be effective, they need to trust us. That's why we use local people to act as business doctors—sharing their experience and contacts. For years, Rossendale had a negative image of itself. Now people see Rossendale as a place where they can achieve something."

Another community project in Nottingham is placing the emphasis on young people by successfully giving teenagers from deprived areas the chance to run their own companies while they are at school and beyond. Business Breaks for Young People was set up three years ago to use enterprise to inspire youths at risk of social exclusion. It runs 11-month programmes with schools and community groups.

As Project leader Julie Parry-Jones explains: "These youngsters have talent, but very low aspirations. They just need guidance to get started. This project shows them, their parents and their brothers and sisters, that they can have goals and achieve them."

Another finalist combining education with enterprise is the Edinburgh Science Triangle (EST). It was set up in 2002 to co-ordinate the marketing efforts of the burgeoning science-based enterprises in Edinburgh and the Lothian counties. It is home to more than 100 companies with around 3,000 employees based in seven science parks and aims to create another 15,000 jobs by attracting companies and research bodies to the area.

EST is a collaboration between the science parks, all of which have links to four local universities and numerous research bodies. "We aim to be one of the top 10 research and development locations in Europe," says Barry Shafe, project director. "The companies and research bodies here are at the forefront of science and technology. Its success so far has been achieved by a lot of co-operation and having a common vision."

For other examples of enterprising hot spots see www.enterprisingbritain.org