Twenty-three newly established social enterprises based in Queensland are slated to receive a combined total of $500,000 in state government funding to help them establish industry presence and accelerate growth.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the funding would allow grant recipients to purchase equipment and resources, and acquire advisory services that would help build a solid foundation for their businesses.
The grant’s recipients cover a variety of sectors including manufacturing, hospitality, and community health to education and training.
Projects benefiting from the grant include native habitat generation, affordable and sustainable housing models, and connecting businesses and consumers with products produced by social enterprises.
The 2020-21 State Budget has $8 million in funding earmarked for the Social Enterprise Development Grants, allowing eligible enterprises and organisations to apply for up to $25,000.
“Social enterprises are businesses that exist to do good, and 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,” Minister Farmer said.
“Over 60 per cent 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,” Farmer said.
“Our grants help those enterprises to expand and create jobs for those more vulnerable members of our community who may experience challenges finding work.”
