A Bendigo-based social enterprise expects to benefit from better access to the market and greater awareness of the sector following the launch of a new government strategy.
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The Victorian government has released a strategy to support and grow the state’s social enterprises, those businesses whose mission includes an aim to provide a public or community benefit.
Access Australia Group, which hosted yesterday’s launch, operates various social enterprises, including PepperGreen Farm and PepperGreen Farm Catering, which provide employment for people with disabilities.
Enterprise and innovation executive manager Jenny Heenan said the strategy would raise the profile of the social enterprise sector.
“I think… the awareness of social enterprise isn’t widespread,” Ms Heenan said.
“So we want to get the message out that if people purchase from us, they’re generating a social impact.”
Ms Heenan said one of the most exciting aspects of the new strategy was the planned social enterprise network.
She said the statewide network would bring together and facilitate communication between social enterprises, which currently operated quite independently of one another.
“We’re excited about the better connection with other social enterprises, and the access to market,” Ms Heenan said.
But what also made the strategy important was its focus on building the capacity of the social enterprise sector, she said.
The strategy outlines several steps the government will take to support the sector, including the creation of a skills development program and a resource that will act like a directory of social enterprises, linking them with buyers.
The strategy also contains a plan to develop a framework that aims to open more government contracts to social enterprises.
More than 75,000 people are employed by 5000-plus social enterprises in Victoria, 200 of which can be found in Bendigo.
Thirty-five per cent of Australian social enterprises target people with disabilities, 33 per cent work with young people, and 28 per cent support disadvantaged women.
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said the strategy was a recognition of the importance of the social enterprise sector, both from an economic and a social perspective.
Bendigo East MP Jacinta Allan said the more social enterprises were promoted and used by the public and private sectors, the more jobs would be created for people who needed some assistance.
The government has committed $5 million to supporting the delivery of the strategy.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
