council
related information
let us know about
in page navigation
Business support
Many social entrepreneurs and community organisations that are planning to enter the social enterprise sector seek support with the business-side of the operations. The need for access to quality business mentoring and support was identified early in the development of PCC’s program. To provide this a partnership was developed with Social Ventures Australia and the Allco Foundation, and the Parramatta Social Enterprise Hub was established in September 2007. Each partner contributes funding to the Hub, as well as providing guidance in setting the Hub’s strategic direction.
Parramatta Social Enterprise Hub
The Parramatta Social Enterprise Hub is part of Social Enterprise Hubs Australia. Social Enterprise Hubs Australia’s mission is to support the development of the social enterprise sector in Australia. It accelerates the growth of social enterprises by providing them with access to resources that would not otherwise be available or affordable, including mentoring, consulting, pro bono services, management tools and business skills.
For further information on the Parramatta Social Enterprise Hub, please contact the Hub Coordinator Ruth Johnstone.
Business Advisory Service Inc (BASI)
In addition to the establishment of the Parramatta Social Enterprise Hub PCC has also established a collaboration with BASI in Parramatta. BASI provides a range of small business support services, many free of charge, and through discussions with PCC has sought to develop its understanding of social enterprise and how its services can support this new form of business. See www.basi.com.au for information on its services.
Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence
These awards recognise businesses from all over Western Sydney in a range of categories. PCC is a key sponsor of the awards and through this relationship is working to improve understanding of social enterprise as a business model.
In 2008 local social enterprise Mars Hill Café won the ‘Excellence in contributing to the community by a not-for-profit’ category. In 2009 two social enterprises made it through to the finalist stage – Parramatta-based Circus Solarus and Blacktown-based Dreams Within Food Busters.
