Lives and Livelihoods - to develop initiatives which support micro enterprise development, assist potentially excluded groups and link education / training to employment.

Strategic priorities (SP) to be addressed under objective three:

• SP 1: To increase the contribution of micro-enterprise to economic growth, by increasing competitiveness through training, mentoring and access to specialist support.
• SP 2: Provide opportunities for young people, women and other disadvantaged and under-represented groups to explore enterprise as a career option.
• SP 3: Identify & develop key sectors and businesses with the opportunity and capacity for growth such as tourism, local producers and
• SP 4: Develop local supply chains and networks to stimulate local trading and encourage collaborative working.

Examples of projects/initiatives

• 'Farmers for the Future' training scheme (also linked to High Level Objective 1, SP1)
• Development of 'Know Your North Pennines' training scheme for tourism businesses (linked to High Level Objective 1, SP3).
• Business Development Programme linking skills development and mentor support. Improving business and environmental performance.
• Community Enterprise Coaches - Working with individuals and community groups to stimulate enterprising activities and business starts / micro enterprise growth
• Enterprise Forum - Providing social networking, peer support and trading opportunities, catering for home based businesses and under represented groups ie female entrepreneurs.
• Enterprise Apprenticeships - Entrepreneurs of tomorrow