Increase to Social Firm Transition Fund
28 May 2013 at 9:56 am
The Federal Government has provided an additional $900,000 to support Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) across Australia to move towards a Not for Profit social firm business model.
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Amanda Rishworth says 16 ADEs will share in more than $2.2million under the now increased Social Firm Transition Fund.
“We’re increasing funding available to support Australian Disability Enterprises to move towards a social firm business model as a result of the high level of demand and high calibre of projects being proposed under the Social Firm Transition Fund,” Rishworth said.
“As part of our vision, we want to support individuals in their choices about where they want to work, whether it is in the public or private sector, an ADE, their own micro-business — or a social enterprise, such as a social firm.
“This funding will assist ADEs adapt one of their business lines to a social firm model, and help build new business lines that are commercially viable and reflect what government and businesses want to buy,” Rishworth said.
“Funded projects include e-waste recycling businesses, therapeutic goods packaging, an upgrade of a café and hospitality training venue, and a graphic design and printing business.
“Social firms have immense benefits for employees. As inclusive and integrated workplaces, where employees with disability work alongside employees without disability, they help break down social barriers.
“People with disability are able to prove that ability is much more important than disability, as well as make connections they otherwise may not have made.
“The Social Firm Transition Fund will also assist the supported employment sector to prepare for DisabilityCare Australia. As social firms offer strong working conditions, including good wage outcomes and inclusive working environments, they are expected to become employers of choice for people with disability.”
The recipients of the Social Firm Transition Fund are:
| ADE Organisation Name | Social Firm Project |
| Hands on SA | Transition of existing food packing business |
| OCTEC Limited | Food manufacturing |
| Noweyung Ltd | Café and hospitality training venue |
| Challenge Tweed Inc | Transition of existing food packaging activity |
| Mamre Plains Limited | Food manufacturing |
| Richmond PRA | Transition of existing printing business |
| The Uniting Church In Australia Property Trust (Q) | Establishment of a new e-waste recycling business |
| Sunnyfield | Therapeutic products packaging |
| Katia Project Inc | Green waste recycling business |
| Barkuma Inc | E-waste recycling business |
| Disability Services Australia Limited | New maintenance and cleaning business line |
| Outlook (Vic) Inc | E-waste social firm |
| House With No Steps NSW | E-waste recovery business |
| Ningana Enterprises Inc | Food manufacturing business |
| Workpower Inc | New commercial cleaning business |
| Vision Australia | Warehousing business |
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