Simon Borkin
Commonly
About this guide
This guide is designed as a resource to help community businesses explore a model of digital development that balances the strengths of no-code solutions with the benefits of expert collaboration. No-code solutions – platforms that allow users to create digital tools without needing to write code – can significantly reduce technical complexity and dependency, allowing community businesses to take greater ownership of their digital tools.
However, this guide also highlights the benefits of working with a growing pool of aligned specialists who can ensure that this technology is effectively designed and implemented, while simultaneously building the capacity of the organisation. By partnering with experts, community businesses can develop the skills needed to maintain and adapt their digital tools in the long term, boosting their sustainability.
The guide draws on the experience of groups that participated in Power to Change’s Powering Up programme, who benefited from this ‘hybrid approach’ to digital development. It seeks to provide practical insights and recommendations based on their experience to support community businesses seeking to build their digital capabilities.