Queensland Government announces funding of 23 social enterprises ahead of Social Enterprise World Forum in Brisbane

Ahead of the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) 2022 being held in Brisbane from 28th to 29th September, the Queensland Government has announced $500,000 in funding to be shared among 23 newly established social enterprises to help their growth and boost confidence in new ventures.

Over 60% of Queensland’s social enterprises operate in four key industry areas – health care and social assistance, administration and support services, arts and recreation services and accommodation and food services – providing vital services statewide.

Brisbane City Council is supporting White Box Enterprises to deliver the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) 2022. This global event travels each year to a different city, bringing together leaders in social enterprise, policy makers, community leaders, philanthropists, investors, and academics to help progress the global transition to a new impact economy.

The two-day hybrid experience will include 1,500+ participants, 100+ speakers and 55 sessions, making this the largest gathering of purpose-driven local and international changemakers in 2022.

The extensive program includes inspiring keynotes from Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott AO, climate activist India Miro Logan-Riley, Daniel Flynn, co-founder of Thankyou, and Kate Raworth, author of Doughnut Economics, as well as masterclasses, NoFilter talks, unconference sessions and fireside chats.

Social enterprises are businesses that trade to intentionally tackle social problems, improve communities, provide people access to employment and training, or help the environment. Their primary purpose is addressing a social or environmental challenge rather than creating profit for owners or shareholders. They bring together the entrepreneurial skills of the private sector and the values of public service.

From Mossman to Burleigh Waters, the Queensland Government Social Enterprise Development Grants are helping businesses to purchase resources such as audio-visual equipment, café furniture and coffee machines or to engage consultants to help develop business and marketing plans and websites and move the business to a digital platform.

The grant recipients cover a range of industries from manufacturing, hospitality, community health to education and training, and include projects such as native habitat regeneration to affordable and sustainable housing models and linking businesses and consumers with products produced by social enterprises.

Queensland Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said 23 grant recipients will now be able to purchase equipment, resources and business advisory services to support a solid foundation to build their business.

Minister Farmer enthused “I’m thrilled that we’re able to support them as they provide so many benefits to our communities – offering training opportunities, creating good jobs and providing better services.

“The 2020–21 State Budget committed $8 million over two years for the Social Enterprise Jobs Fund. The Social Enterprise Development Grants is the fourth grant program to be released under the Fund, enabling eligible enterprises and organisations to apply for up to $25,000.”

Minister Farmer said she was pleased to announce the grants recipients in the lead up to the 2022 Social Enterprise World Forum, co-hosted by White Box Enterprises, which will be held in Brisbane this week.

“Our grants help those enterprises to expand and create jobs for those more vulnerable members of our community who may experience challenges finding work.”

Minister Farmer said encouraging traditional business to follow the example of social enterprises by creating a more diverse workforce was a focus of the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032 and is key to addressing Queensland’s labour and skills shortages.

“The Queensland Workforce Strategy will support employers to develop inclusive work practices and tap into workers that they may have not considered hiring before,” Minister Farmer said.

“We are calling on employers to think differently about how they could make their business a more attractive place to work – be it through flexible work hours, job-sharing, working from home or other incentives – to find the right fit between available jobs and available workers.”

Minister Farmer said businesses, like the new social enterprise, Springwood Cakes and Catering, were setting a great example when it came to a diverse workforce.

“Over the next two years, the new venture by the Logan East Community Neighbourhood Association plans to create jobs for 12 women who are homeless, experience mental health problems or are domestic violence survivors.

“They will use their grant to complete a business plan for their supported employment model and develop branding and production of promotional material.

“In Far North Queensland, the recently created Saltwater People Social Enterprise, aims to increase economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and creatives.

“The grant will be used for business planning and sales and marketing strategy advice.”

For more information on social enterprise grant programs visit: desbt.qld.gov.au/training/future-skills-fund/social-enterprise-grants

For more information on the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032 visit www.qld.gov.au/workforcestrategy

Click here to see event details for Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) 2022 in the Australasian Leisure Management calendar