Through RecycleAbilities, Ryan helps local businesses and individuals reduce waste by collecting their 10c containers.
29 November 2024
In brief:
- Applications are now open for the ACT Social Enterprise Grant Program.
- The program provides up to $30,000 in matched funding for businesses with social, cultural or environmental impact.
- This story outlines what the grants involve, and tell the story of RecycleAbilities, a business that received funding last financial year.
The ACT Social Enterprise Grant Program is now open for applications.
The program supports new social enterprises to start up. It also helps existing social enterprises to take the next step in their business journey.
The first round of the grant program was successfully piloted in the 2023-24 financial year. The ACT Government awarded $340,000 to 14 social enterprises across Canberra.
What is a social enterprise?
Social enterprises are businesses with a social, cultural or environmental purpose. They are aligned with public or community benefit.
In the ACT there are approximately 180 social enterprises. They support over 3,000 jobs and contribute $318.5 million annually to the local economy.
What does the program involve?
The Mill House Ventures, a Canberra social enterprise advisory, delivers the grant program on behalf of the ACT Government.
The grants offer between $10,000 to $30,000 in matched funding for a range of activities. This includes:
- product development
- business planning
- training programs
- marketing activities
- resources
- website development or upgrades.
What kind of businesses can these grants support?
One of Canberra’s social enterprises making use of this grant funding is RecycleAbilities. The business received $29,000 in matched funding earlier this year.
RecycleAbilities is a social enterprise founded by Corinna Gilligan to support her son Ryan who lives with disability. It has given Ryan socially valued employment that allows him to showcase his abilities.
"By focusing on customised employment based around interests, skills and abilities, like we have for Ryan, I believe you can increase employment success for people with disability,” Corinna said.
"We can also improve employment longevity and demonstrate their social value as contributing members of society.”
Through RecycleAbilities, Ryan helps local businesses and individuals reduce waste by collecting their 10c containers.
He works with over 50 businesses in north Canberra and Fyshwick and has raised over $20,000 for local and national charities.
"I believe Ryan will lead a balanced, purposeful, and fulfilling life. One where he is an included and a contributing and valued member of his local Canberra community,” Corinna said.
How can I apply?
Applications for the ACT Social Enterprise Grants Program are now open and close 7 February 2025.
For more information go to: www.act.gov.au/money-and-tax/grants-funding-and-incentives/funding-and-support-for-social-enterprises
Read more like this:
Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:
