Last month the Queensland Government launched the Queensland Social Enterprise Strategy to support the growth of the social enterprise sector in Queensland.
Social enterprises exist to benefit the public and community rather than shareholders and owners. The sector is gaining momentum in Queensland and plays an important role in delivering jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged Queenslanders.
The strategy outlines three key areas of targeted support to address the challenges social enterprises face:
- building capability and capacity in the sector, including access to financial support
- making connections across the sector to increase collaboration and promotional opportunities
- improving market access by linking social enterprises to procurement opportunities.
The Queensland Government has committed $1 million in 2019-20 to support the implementation of the Queensland Social Enterprise Strategy.
As part of this funding, $450,000 will be invested in a new Social Enterprise Grants program to provide support during the start-up phase of a social enterprise. Another $400,000 – including $200,000 from the Queensland Mental Health Commission – will go towards a pilot program to provide access to training and mentoring to foster innovation and kick-start business ideas.
The Queensland Government believes partnership with the sector will help develop a thriving social enterprise ecosystem in Queensland.
