Social Enterprises Sydney focuses on guiding not-for-profit businesses that exist for the betterment of society, mostly in Western Sydney.
But the future of the organisation is uncertain when its Community Builders Fund grant runs out in March.
Entreaties to the state government have so far failed, although program manager Tatjana Co remains optimistic that the government will understand the worth of the organisation to continue funding.
“At the moment, we rely totally on that funding, although we are supported by businesses with mentoring, a vital part of what we do,” Tatjana said.
Social enterprise businesses seeking support may have to pay a small fee for service if funding does not come through and Tatjana wants to avoid that.
Support offered by Social Enterprises Sydney, which is run by a board of people with a wide range of industry experience, includes imparting knowledge in running a business, policy, research and consultancy.
Most of the social enterprise businesses involve former refugees or other disadvantaged people.
One example of a business that has the organisation to thank for its success is Food Tours, which takes people on trips around multicultural Sydney to try ethnic food.
Another success story is Fitted For Work, a business that supplies appropriate clothing for people re-entering the workforce.
Social Enterprise Sydney, which has been based in a Parramatta office but is now deliberately office-less, brings together people wanting to make a difference with their businesses and successful professionals who want to give back.
Marketing manager Cathy Quinn is one of those people who imparted her knowledge at a Social Enterprises workshop and then decided to join the board.
“I wanted to give back after working in marketing and I liked what Social Enterprise Sydney was doing,” Cathy said.
Tatjana, who has worked in the private and public sector, felt the same.
“I started as events manager and now I am program manager. This is an important service as we are able to support these businesses that would otherwise fail.”
But the organisation also has to be honest with people who come to them for help.
“The business being proposed has to be viable, that is, supplying what people will buy or use,” Tatjana said. “Sometimes people are in for a reality check with their ideas.”
Now, Sydney Enterprise Sydney, already grateful to successful businesses for the help given in mentoring, needs more help than ever to continue its work.
Tatyana Co can be contacted on 1300788992.
