The Palaszczuk Government will support new social enterprises across the state to develop and grow with grants of up to $25,000 set to open for applications later this month.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the Social Enterprise Development Grants offered a total funding pool of $600,000 to assist newly-established or early-stage social enterprises to increase their capability, capacity and confidence.
“We have now released the grant guidelines, along with other information, and I encourage interested organisations to check their eligibility and start preparing their applications now, so they are ready for the grants to open on 27 May,” Minister Farmer said.
“Successful applicants will be able to use their grants to purchase production and digital equipment or systems, engage business services such as training, business planning or marketing, develop their websites or the products they deliver, to support their organisation’s operations and development.
“Supporting new enterprises as they get up and running is vital, as they have already cleared many hurdles and are working hard to reach the next steps of their business development plans.
“Assisting them at this stage means they can build a solid sustainable business foundation to deliver their social mission or purpose.”
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.
“This is the fourth grants program to be released under the Queensland Government’s $8 million Social Enterprise Jobs Fund.
“Under the fund, we have committed $3 million for grants to support the development and growth of individual enterprises and the wider sector,” Minister Farmer said.
“More than $1.2 million has been delivered through two completed grants – the Community Social Enterprise Development Grants and Social Enterprise Growth Grants.
“As well, I announced last week that eight organisations would share in almost $1 million in grants to ensure the development of the social enterprise sector.
“We have been working with the Queensland Social Enterprise Council to ensure these programs meet the needs of this sector,” Minister Farmer said.
“Building up a range of individual enterprises, supporting stronger networks in the sector and developing a system where buyers and stakeholders look to support social enterprises will foster an environment to keep growing and delivering a range of benefits and services for Queensland’s economy.”
The Social Enterprise World Forum will also be held in Brisbane later this year with co-hosts White Box Enterprises, putting Queensland in an international spotlight.
For more information on the Social Enterprise Development Grants visit
