Grants to support Social Enterprises to grow now available  

New social enterprises across Queensland can apply to receive financial support of up to $25,000 to develop their business with a new grants round open from today.

Employment and Small Business Minister Di Farmer said the Social Enterprise Development Grants offered a total funding pool of $600,000.

“The aim of these grants is to assist eligible newly-established or early-stage social enterprises increase their capability and build a solid, sustainable business foundation so they can deliver their social mission or purpose,” Minister Farmer said.

Successful applicants will be able to take the next steps of their business development plans by purchasing equipment, developing websites, undertaking training or engaging marketing services.

Minister Farmer said social enterprises were businesses led by a social purpose and geared towards a social good. They operated to deliver benefits for the community while supporting themselves commercially, creating jobs and providing needed goods and services in the process.

"The Palaszczuk Government’s vision is to build a strong social enterprise sector. This is the fourth grants program to be released under the Government’s
$8 million Social Enterprise Jobs Fund.

“A strong social enterprise sector will create more jobs and increase employment for disadvantaged jobseekers.  It will also and deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to Queensland communities,” Minister Farmer said.

“This is an exciting time for social enterprises in Queensland. A lot of work is being done to support and grow the sector, and I encourage our newest social enterprises to apply.

“Part of the Government’s social enterprise strategy is to provide well rounded support outside of grant rounds, such as networking events, to ensure the sector is capable, confident and continues to grow,” Minister Farmer said.

“Creating connections with other organisations and forming lasting support networks is a way to strengthen the sector.

“The contributions Queensland’s social enterprises make to our community are substantial and it’s vital we continue to support and strengthen them.”

Applications for the grants close at 5pm on 30 June 2022. 

For more information on the Social Enterprise Development Grants visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au/training/future-skills-fund/social-enterprise-grants.

Media contact: 0482 914 103