Key grants delivered for Queensland’s social enterprises

• 42 organisations across Queensland will share in almost $900,000 in Social Enterprise Growth Grants.
• The successful recipients from Cairns to Burleigh Heads will receive grants of up to $25,000 to purchase equipment, resources, and business advisory services.
• Round two of the Social Enterprise Growth Grants is now open.

The first round of the Social Enterprise Growth Grants will see a host of diverse organisations share in $894,000 to help their business grow or improve its social impact.

The second funding round for 2022–23 is now open, and offers grants between $5,000 and $25,000 to established, eligible social enterprises.

Social Enterprise businesses have a social purpose in their delivery. They may well be for profit but all are for a common good. 

Creating a more diverse workforce is a focus of the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032 and these grants will contribute to that.

Applications close on 27 April 2023.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer

“The Social Enterprise Growth Grants initiative is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Social Enterprise Jobs Fund, and an $8 million two-year commitment.

“We’re backing social enterprises that support jobs, are investing in skills and protecting the environment.

“Thanks to a first round grant Cairns’ Far North Queensland Food Incubator will be able to increase the services it offers. The Food Incubator services food entrepreneurs with mentoring, training, resources and events to develop and showcase small scale and start-up food focussed businesses, producers and manufacturers.

“Happy Paws Happy Hearts in Wacol will now be able to purchase digital equipment under the program to promote and expand its support to job seekers, who gain work experience and life skills through their animal care programs.

“Lovewell Café in Mount Gravatt, which supports women who are rebuilding their lives, will be able to implement strategies that will help the business grow and enable it to employ and support more women by providing them with access to training and mentoring as they transition to further employment in the community.

“Townsville’s Life Skills Queensland (LSQ), will now be able to purchase new machinery that will increase its ability to produce more DIY project kits for sale. The boost in sales will mean it can continue working with people with disability and mental health conditions, veterans and disadvantaged youth and provide them with more opportunities for employment and to learn new skills.

 “First round grants will enable the Cookery Nook at Nudgee, which provides employment to people with disability, to purchase a coffee cart and expand its operations.

“The Palaszczuk Government recognizes the importance of social enterprises and their role in providing meaningful employment for all Queenslanders regardless of their abilities or circumstances and the above are just a few examples of funding being put to good use.

“I thank our social enterprises for their commitment to a diverse workforce and encourage others to apply for a round two grant.”

For the full list of grant recipients visit: https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/future-skills-fund/social-enterprise-grants

ENDS

Ministerial media contact: Gary Shipway 0458 090 906