New Program to Fast Track Sydney’s Social Enterprises

An SSE Brisbane student's social enterprise Street Food Australia, which supports migrants and refugees to develop street food businesses using bespoke designed kitchens on cargo bikes.

A new “fast track” program for budding social entrepreneurs has been launched in Sydney by the School for Social Entrepreneurs Australia.

Supported by ING Direct, the 4-month program is designed for social and environmental ventures which are ready for launch.

The SSE says the program will provide a unique opportunity for up to 15 social entrepreneurs to work collaboratively with a talented team of facilitators, business experts and seasoned entrepreneurs to make their ventures effective and sustainable.

It says that unlike traditional educational and training programs, the School uses a “learning by doing” approach where students gain both practical business and personal skills that can be applied directly to their social or environmental enterprise.

“We are really looking forward to working with our next crop of social entrepreneurs in Sydney and giving them the skills, confidence and networks to bring their enterprises to life,” SSE Australia chief executive Celia Hodson said.

The SSE says that the Sydney Accelerator Program which commences on May 27 will bring key ING Direct staff into the program to provide one-on-one expert support and mentoring to students.

Manager of Sustainability at ING Direct, Fleur Townley, said the bank was “excited” to be involved in the Sydney Accelerator Program.

“It provides a unique opportunity for our staff to work alongside passionate entrepreneurs to support the development of their bold and innovative social enterprises,” Townley said.

The SSE Australia currently runs a range of programs from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. It has a reported Fellowship of close to 200 social entrepreneurs since launching in early 2009.

Visit www.sse.org.au to apply by April 8.