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Council grants to help grow social enterprise

28 Sep 2011

Parramatta City Council continues to lead the way when it comes to social enterprise and is offering a number of grants to help businesses deliver better social, environmental and cultural objectives.

Council has distributed more than $400,000 to more than 20 social enterprises through the Parramatta Social Enterprise Project, now in its fifth year.

Building on this initiative, as part of its Community Grants program, Council is now offering $80,000 in funding to further grow social enterprise in the area. The grants include:

  • A total of $30,000, made up of $2500 grants to assist with business planning for early stage social enterprises connected to the local area;
  • Two grants of $25,000 to assist an existing successful social enterprise in the Parramatta LGA, or for a local social enterprise to take a significant growth step.

Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid, said the program offers businesses a chance to further their social enterprise and assist in delivering objectives of our City.

“Parramatta is Sydney’s second CBD and is a diverse, vibrant and rapidly growing area. There are many opportunities for social enterprises across the Parramatta area on both the trading and the purpose fronts, so I encourage businesses who meet the selection criteria to apply,” Cr Chedid said.

“Local social enterprises that are at a growth stage will be eligible to apply for these grants, as will social enterprises operating in other parts of Sydney or Australia that are looking to establish a base in Parramatta,” Cr Chedid said.

One business which has successfully received a grant, through the program is Fitted for Work, a national not-for-profit organisation committed to preparing disadvantaged women for work.

The organisation helps women find and keep work, and ultimately achieve financial independence by providing a fitting service, styling advice and interview preparation training. Once employed, clients may return to be fitted out in a second outfit to wear on the job.

They also provide transition to work, six month pre-employment training, work experience and mentoring program designed to support women who face multiple barriers to employment in transitioning into sustainable work.

Fitted for Work Sydney Program Manager, Lauren Simons, said receiving the social enterprise grant was a huge milestone.

“The grant provided an opportunity to start implementing our business plan and with Parramatta City Council’s support, we are now running regular market stalls, in-house boutique sales, as well as styling nights,” Ms Simons said.

“Through these activities, we are generating our own income, and on our way to becoming financially sustainable so we will be able to support many more clients in the future. We are so excited about our growth plans in Parramatta,” Ms Simons said.

In describing the client experience, Ms Simons said Fitted for Work also offers a range of skill based workshops designed to build self-confidence.

“One of our clients who recently found work said our service made such a big difference. She had been made redundant and couldn’t find work for nine months and said Fitted for Work helped build up her self-esteem and was such a big boost,” Ms Simons said.

Applications are now open and close at 4pm on Friday 2 December 2011.

Applicants would meet the selection criteria can apply by downloading an application form on Council’s website www.parracity.nsw.gov.au >HOME > Live >My Community > Building Your Community.

Priority will be given to social enterprises that can demonstrate how their activities align with the social, environmental and cultural priorities for the city.

Media enquiries: Valentina Bozinovski, Communications Officer

Tel: 9806 5070 Email: vbozinovski@parracity.nsw.gov.au

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