What magic can happen when local people who are invested in their community get together to exchange ideas, create new schemes and offer tangible help to new,  and up- and-coming businesses. 

Torbay LEF open spaceOn Friday 7 June 2019, the Lucky 7 Club in central Paignton welcomed entrepreneurs, local business leaders, community groups and members of the public to two amazing events aimed at boosting the local economy and making Torbay a better place to live.

You can watch the video of the open space event here

Out in the Open 

In the afternoon we held an Open Space, where anyone could propose an idea that would improve life in Torbay. People then formed groups around each suggestion and got creative. 

Sarah Bell, co founder Lucky 7 ClubHow could we make this happen? 

Who would need to get involved? 

What practical steps could be agreed there and then to turn this idea into a reality. 

After this dynamic brainstorming session, the results were shared and practical actions were agreed. Everyone was buzzing. 

Before the evening session got going, a wonderful buffet dinner was served and the Lucky 7 bar opened, so everyone could relax, chat and even indulge in a specially created Friendly Dragon Cocktail!

Watch the evening event video here

 

The Evening Event

The evening event was the Community of Dragons – now in it’s 8th successful year in Totnes and spreading around the globe. 

Three local businesses – in various stages of development took to the Lucky 7 stage to outline what they were about and to tell the audience what they needed in practical terms to help them move on to the next level

Ceri and Jordan, Gaia CoffeePledges of Support

The audience, making up the Community of Dragons, then asked questions and made pledges of support. More than 70 pledges were made, including money, free branding and marketing, social media support, paying-it-forward, advice sessions and even cake! 

During the course of the day and evening, several invited speakers, including Tony Greenham from South West Mutual Bank, gave presentations about their businesses and were on hand to offer advice and guidance to those who needed it. 

When the official events were over, many people stayed on, enjoying more cocktails and continuing their conversations until the early hours. 

It was such a fabulous day and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2020. We hope you’ll join us.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR FORUM SEE THE LEF PAGE

Interested in hosting an LEF event in you area? We can help email us at Chris@localsparktorbay.org