Residents who have an idea for a business venture which will make a difference to our community, are invited to attend an information session for this year’s Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program.
Sue Bradley, concept founder of SWAMP (Sustainable Wetlands Agriculture Makers Project) Central Coast, in Tuggerah, was one of last year’s participants in the Council-run program.
She says it provided the knowledge and confidence to bring her social enterprise idea to fruition.
SWAMP is a community garden and urban farm, social enterprise, environmental education space, creative and agricultural hub at Central Coast Wetlands Pioneer Dairy, Tuggerah.
“In addition to the mentoring and support, the program provided a space for networking and connecting with like-minded social entrepreneurs,” Bradley said.
“Through these conversations, I was able to locate a site on crown land for a sustainable community garden.
“The Launch Pad program has been key to the start-up’s success.
“It has given me the confidence to establish lasting relationships with community organisations, to form partnership programs and to reach out to local MP’s, government and private organisations as well as Council.
“The continued mentoring after the program was to me one of the most helpful resources.
“I highly recommend this program to anyone wishing to bring their social enterprise ideas to life.”
Central Coast Council’s Director of Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the annual program supports the development of innovative new enterprise models within the region and helps to turn community focused business ideas into a reality.
“The free program, which has been running since 2012, provides a step-by-step guide to research, plan, seek funding (for) and establish a social enterprise that benefits our community, whether it be social, environmental or creative,” Vaughan said.
“This year’s development program will be delivered in a partnership between Council, Business Centre and Community Compass as a series of workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions from April to July.”
Source:
Media release, Feb 18
Central Coast Council