Social Enterprise News

Xero, the global small business platform, announced the 28 small businesses and non-profits that have won a share of the AU$ 690,000 global prize pool in the inaugural Xero Beautiful Business Fund.

One of the global winners is a regional New South Wales charity and volunteer organisation, winning a total of AU$70,000 in the Strengthening Community Connection category. 

Launched earlier this year, the Xero Beautiful Business Fund seeks to help Xero’s small business customers boost their growth plans and drive future success. More than 5,500 applications were received from Xero customers across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom. 

Congratulations to QSEC member Natura Pacific.

Trailblazing with technology: Natura Pacific (Qld) 

Seeking to innovate through technology is Natura Pacific, a Queensland social enterprise. Natura Pacific connects communities with the natural world through regenerative agriculture. The Xero Beautiful Business Fund winnings will enable Natura Pacific to swap out their 1960’s diesel tractor used for orchard spraying with an agricultural drone. This will reduce their organic spraying time twelvefold – from 24 hours a week to around two hours. Passionate about digital transformation in regenerative agriculture, they plan to leverage their experience and knowledge with other farmers. 

Read more here.

Businesses are being encouraged to include more people with disability in local workplaces.

Disability Action Week, which is supported by Logan City Council, starts tomorrow (Saturday, November 25) and runs until Saturday, December 2.

This year's theme is Access ignites: it's good for business.

More than 22,000 people in the City of Logan need daily assistance with core activities due to a severe or profound disability and more than 31,000 people provide unpaid help to someone with disability, Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows.

Read more here.

Calling all changemakers!

The Department of Social Services is thrilled to announce that we are now accepting applications for the position of Grants Administrator – Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI).

If you are passionate about making a positive impact on our community and you want to help the social enterprise sector in Australia grow, this opportunity is for you! SEDI will grow the social impact market, by building the capability of eligible for-purpose organisations to be more sustainable and have improved social impact.

Learn more here.

• Q2032 Industry Advisory Group holds its first meeting on Friday 17 November
• 18 industry bodies have a seat at the table
• To provide insights and advice to Government so Queensland businesses benefit from Brisbane 2032
• Helping set targets, generate ideas and encourage private sector investment

Representatives from 18 peak industry bodies have met for the first time as part of the new Q2032 Industry Advisory Group (IAG), with a focus on helping Queensland businesses get the most out of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The founding industry members will provide advice on how the Q2032 Procurement Strategy should be implemented so that Queensland businesses are prioritised in the $180 billion of Queensland Government procurement that will flow over the next nine years.

They will provide valuable commercial perspectives on the different industries that will be critical to delivery of a successful Games.

Read more here.

Wellness coaches help small business owners with unique and personal business challenges, needs and opportunities in a free one-on-one, supportive environment.

Wellness coaches are available to work with you or any of your family members who are employed in your business.

A coach can help you find the right service available and also refer you to a specialist service provider for support to reduce stress, improve wellbeing and provide flexible business support.

The coaches will work with the Rural, Small Business and Tourism Financial Counsellors Network across Queensland to work with you and your business.

BROWSE HERE!

On Thursday, 2 November, more than 350 Queensland community service sector representatives gathered at Brisbane City Hall to recognise and celebrate our community heroes for the 2023 Queensland Community Impact Awards.

We were humbled to see so many people from all corners of the sector acknowledge their peers’ phenomenal contributions.

Congratulations to Tivoli Social Enterprises on winning the Community Impact award.

Read more here.

We are thrilled to announce that Adele Laughton has been appointed as the new CEO of the Queensland Social Enterprise Council (QSEC). Adele brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting the social enterprise sector in Queensland.
 
Adele’s strong background in working with government stakeholders, including federal and state industry bodies, will be invaluable in her new role by advancing advocacy for the sector and building vital partnerships at both a state and regional level.
  
Adele has an impressive track record leading national membership organisations, exemplifying her commitment to the values of collaboration, community building, and social impact. In addition to this, Adele’s extensive regional network will allow us to deepen our connections with Queensland's social enterprises, community leaders, and key stakeholders. Her ability to amplify regional voices and perspectives is a tremendous asset in building a more inclusive, diverse and sustainable ecosystem.
 
As a Board, we look forward to working with and supporting Adele to drive positive change and new opportunities for the social enterprise sector of Queensland.

Please join us in welcoming Adele to this pivotal role.

• The Palaszczuk Government will partner with Smart Precinct NQ to deliver a new circular economy initiative in Townsville.
• Smart Precinct NQ will provide information and support for local businesses looking to embed circular economy principles into their operations.
• The government is committed to building a circular economy in Queensland, where materials are reused, recycled or remanufactured more, and less waste is produced in the first place.

Townsville and North Queensland is set to play a leading role in Queensland’s drive to build a circular economy.

Environment and Science Minister Leanne Linard announced that Smart Precinct NQ would become a hub for information and support for local businesses looking to embed circular economy principles into their operations.

Read more here.

• There were 545 successful organisations receiving a Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant in Round 117.
• Round 119 is currently open and taking applications until 7 November 2023.

Organisations from around Queensland have received a share of more than $13 million in grants under the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

A total of 545 community groups from Coolangatta to the Torres Strait were successful in receiving grants of up to $35,000.

Recipients include domestic violence services, sporting clubs, multicultural organisations, and other community-based groups.

The funds will go towards a variety of projects including purchasing marine rescue and first aid equipment, the purchase of new vehicles, and building upgrades.

Some of the grants include:

• Bundaberg social enterprise New Image Laundry, who provide employment and skills for vulnerable people, received a grant of more than $30,220 to purchase new dryers to meet local demand for laundering services and to create more jobs.
• QSEC member Nature Freedom 

Congratulations to New Image Laundry and Nature Freedom!

Read more here:

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/99043

A First Nations-led collective is delivering economic empowerment for Indigenous women through a nationwide, digital online mentoring program.

Perth-based company Ember Connect developed the mentoring initiative after receiving a Social Enterprise Grant from Indigenous Business Australia (IBA).

One of the main aims of the program is to increase the employment, social, and economic benefits for First Nations women, no matter how remote the participants may be.

So far, 46 women from around Australia have been matched with a mentor, based on their life experience, employment, education, industry and skill sets and even their future aspirations.

Read more here.