The Andrews Labor Government is providing the opportunity for four local social enterprises to link up with organisations from across the globe at the Social Enterprise World Forum in Ethiopia this week.
Moral Fairground, YLab Global, Justice Connect and Green Collect shared $20,000 support to travel to Africa through the Victorian Social Enterprise Strategy.
Representatives from the Victorian social enterprises are among 18 sector leaders representing Australia at the forum, supported by a bursary fund also backed by the English Family Foundation, Philanthropy Australia and Social Traders.
The bursaries provide an important professional development opportunity for the social enterprise leaders.
The Social Enterprise World Forum 2019 is hosted by The British Council and is running in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa from 23-25 October.
The forum is an important event for the sector and will be attended by more than 50 Australians, as well as policy makers and other experts from around the world.
The event is in its second decade and provides an opportunity to create a global social enterprise movement, share knowledge and networks and deliver solutions for a sustainable and inclusive future.
Social enterprises contribute more than $5 billion to Victoria’s economy – there are about 4,000 social enterprises across the state according to the Map for Impact.
The Labor Government is getting on with supporting the development of the state’s growing social enterprise sector with the creation of the Victorian Social Enterprise Network (SENVIC) and funding provided to more than 60 social enterprises through the Boost Your Business Voucher Program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula
“We’re supporting learning and development opportunities for social enterprises and allowing them to build global connections, so they can continue to collaborate and grow.”
“Our Social Enterprise Strategy is one of the ways we’re ensuring our economy and society is inclusive and that every Victorian has the chance to benefit from the state’s development and progress.”
Quotes attributable to Social Traders managing director David Brookes
“The Victorian Government’s support for this year’s bursary fund is enabling four Victorian social enterprise leaders to learn and network with international peers at one of the largest annual gatherings of social enterprises and policy makers.”
“This shows that the Government is committed to developing a vibrant and strong social enterprise sector.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020