Central Coast Council is calling on community members who have an idea for a business venture that will make a difference to our community, to participate in this year\u2019s Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An information session will be held on 21 February for interested people to learn more about the free program, which consists of a series of workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions that will run from late March to June 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council\u2019s Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said the annual Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program supports the development of innovative new enterprise models within the region and helps turn community focused business ideas into a reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe free program, which has been running since 2012, provides a step-by-step guide to research, plan, seek funding and establish a social enterprise that benefits our community \u2013 whether it be social, environmental or creative,\u201d Mr Cannard said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis annual program has helped start-ups, entrepreneurs, not for profit organisations and new businesses with a social vision go on to successfully launch community focused ventures such as the Iris Foundation\u2019s \u2018Wings to Succeed\u2019 project.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sue Liptrott, Executive Officer of Iris Foundation said taking part in the Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program was a supportive and creative experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Liptrott said \u201cIn 2021, Iris Foundation was accepted to take part in the Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program and we were so grateful for the opportunity. We were looking to introduce a project that would enhance the existing \u2018Because We Care Boutique Central Coast\u2019 and provide further support to women in need. Launch Pad provided not only the construction and formulation of a defined pathway forward, but also valuable marketing tools for immediate use. These were instrumental in creating a platform to apply for grant funding for our new \u2018Wings to Succeed\u2019 project and I am happy to say that we were successful in receiving a Council Social Enterprise Grant in 2021 and the project is now underway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sue Bradley, concept founder of SWAMP (Sustainable Wetlands Agriculture Makers Project) Central Coast said that participating in Council\u2019s Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program in 2020 has been key to the start-up success of SWAMP\u2019s community garden project and education and training programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Bradley said \u201cThe Launch Pad program has given me the confidence to establish lasting relationships with community organisations, to form partnership programs and reach out to local MP\u2019s, 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. Through these conversations I was able to locate a site on crown land for SWAMP Central Coast where people can connect and discover the importance of growing food with sustainable methods and respect to the land and environment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lyndi Leggett, founder of The Scuba Gym was a participant in the social enterprise program in 2019 and runs unique underwater therapy sessions for people living with a disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Leggett said \u201cI definitely benefited from the connections I made from the program, and the tutors provided superb advice. I am still working with some of them in a mentoring capacity as I continue to grow this business. I would definitely recommend this program to social entrepreneurs that are committed to getting results.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Council Administrator Rik Hart expects this year\u2019s program to be bolstered from an increased movement in society to undertake work with a purpose and give back to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic has many people rethinking their careers and long-term goals and want to use their skills and talents to help others and service their community,\u201d Mr Hart said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI expect this year\u2019s program will attract an increased number of participants and look forward to seeing what social enterprise ideas will come to the table for the benefit our region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year\u2019s development program will be delivered in partnership between Council, Business Centre and Community Compass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n