Small business and networks: aspects of social capital in a small rural town

This paper explores through empirical research, what contributions small business people make to the community of Scottsdale (a small country town in north eastern Tasmania), over and above their economic contribution within the sphere of normal business activity. It is the notion of networks and productive interactions between people that is of interest to the researchers. Also of interest is how the quality and quantity of social activities which build social capital may influence the sustainability and viability of a community.