A group upcycling discarded bikes, an organisation creating unique clothing for people managing long-term injuries and a not-for-profit employing young people at risk of homelessness are among 10 social enterprises to receive funding for initiatives to drive innovation and support jobs.
The City of Melbourne’s $200,000 Social Enterprise Grants program supports local organisations to deliver creative solutions to local issues – promoting a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Recipients from this year’s program include:
- Brainwave Australia – to establish a new pop-up Brainwave Bikes service at the University of Melbourne, allowing students to donate their used bikes, purchase an affordable refurbished bike, and access safety information and basic bike servicing.
- Recova Wear – to work with orthopaedic departments within the municipality to expand their line of clothing specifically designed for people managing long-term injuries.
- For Change Co. – to create a unique pre-employment program for young people at risk of homelessness, including opportunities to work in the Crepes for Change van.
- The Nicholas Building – to establish a self-sustained social enterprise within the iconic Melbourne building.
Successful recipients will receive up to $20,000 to support their work, alongside a range of development, networking and promotional opportunities.
The program will support organisations working to reduce waste and enhance Melbourne’s circular economy, as well as those working to deliver other social impact solutions.
Previous recipients of the Social Enterprise Grants program include Rollup Recycling for its carpet upcycling program, Reground to divert ground coffee from landfill and Small Fires to publish multicultural and multilingual books and toys for kids.
For more information on the program and a full list of this year’s recipients, visit City of Melbourne.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“Melbourne is a city full of innovators and creative minds, bursting with ideas to shape and invest in the growth of our city.”
“Our Social Enterprise Grants program is designed to support those big ideas – with funding, mentorship and support to drive innovative solutions to local challenges.”
“From recycling used bikes to creating new job opportunities and backing our city’s creative industries, this year’s grant recipients are set to change our city for the better.”
Quote attributable to City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell
“Social enterprises are an important part of our city economy and create employment opportunities.”
“There are currently more than 3,500 social enterprises in Victoria, employing 60,000 people and contributing $5.2 billion to the economy each year.”
Quote attributable to Environment portfolio lead Councillor Rohan Leppert
“We’re working to reduce waste across our city – and that means supporting not-for-profits and enterprises to deliver clean and clever solutions to a range of environmental challenges.”