Community Business: The Key to Solving Local Issues and Revitalization

Amidst the accelerating regional issues and economic recession caused by population decline due to low birthrates and an aging population, the government and local governments are making efforts to resolve these problems. Among them, "Community Business" is gaining attention. The core of Community Business lies in utilizing local resources and having residents actively participate in resolving regional issues through business methods.

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The effects and roles of Community Business on the local community can be summarized into three main points. Firstly, it addresses regional issues. Problems such as declining local commerce, outflow of young people, and labor shortages due to aging can be resolved through new businesses. Secondly, it revitalizes the local community. When a community business creates an attractive region, it can lead to an influx of new people and businesses, restoring vitality. Thirdly, it fosters civic consciousness among local residents. By directly participating in businesses, residents develop a stronger sense of attachment to their region and a greater desire for change.

Representative examples of Community Business include 'Foodland Co., Ltd.', which utilizes discarded citrus fruits to produce processed foods and perfumes, 'Machizukuri Tachikawa Co., Ltd.', which promotes revitalization through branding and business support in Tachikawa City, and 'Business-Airport Community', which facilitates business matching among co-working space members. As such, Community Business is being implemented in various fields, including manufacturing, distribution, tourism, and IT, at the regional level.

For the success of Community Business, resident participation and connections, as well as support from local governments and businesses, are essential. If residents take the lead in rediscovering the value of their region and businesses and local governments actively support them, it can pave the way for resolving regional issues and promoting revitalization. We look forward to the future expansion of Community Business, maximizing regional value and achieving sustainable development.