E-bulletin April 2010

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There are two things I’ve been thinking about whilst putting together this edition – Cadbury cream eggs and social enterprise, which has got me thinking how much the two are related… A social enterprise is born when both business (hard shell) and social (soft centre) ideas meet – people who run them sustainably balance proficient professional ‘corporate’ skills with the ability to critically analyse social impacts.

Whilst we don’t offer any chocolate eggs with this edition of the e-bulletin we offer plenty of opportunities to read more on social enterprise to help achieve 'balance'.

Happy reading and enjoy the Easter break…

Social Enterprise Study Tour

Do you have questions for sustainable social enterprises? Want to share ideas and network? Or need to discover purchasing opportunities? If so - then the social enterprise study tour is for you. These tours provide an opportunity to experience ‘in situ’ case studies of a range of different social enterprises. Feedback for the tours is overwhelmingly positive - 100% of participants agree that they are good value, would recommend the tour to colleagues and friends. If you too would like to ‘connect’ on our next tour Wednesday 28th April, please contact info@socialtraders.com.au  

Are you training, supporting, employing disadvantaged job seekers?

News

Successful Jobs fund Round 2 programs announced, Thursday 25 March

$39m in funding has been announced for 53 projects across Australia under the Local Jobs stream and Get Communities Working stream of the Jobs Fund. The range of Round 2 projects includes support for social enterprises to provide training and employment opportunities to people from disadvantaged backgrounds; initiatives that will focus on repairing and improving community facilities; and projects with environmental benefits that will also provide for green skills for the future. Follow this link to see the list of successful programs: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/news/2010/03/successful-jobs-fund-round-2-programs-announced  

Investing in Alternative Economic Futures lecture

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens, opened the inaugural Social Business Australia lecture ‘Investing in Alternative Economic Futures ‘at Parliament House on Monday 15th March.
You can read Dame Pauline Green's lecture here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/news/2010/03/investing-alternative-economic-futures  

Social Innovation Camp, 5-7 March 2010

On the weekend of the 5th, 6th & 7th of March, 2010 over 100 attendees particpated in the first ASIX Australian Social Innovation Camp. Originated in the UK, the camp acted as an incubator for a series of ideas using the web, that demonstrated the power of social innovation. Winning projects and issues raised are discussed on our forum with Michelle Williams: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/forum/2010/03/social-innovation-camp  

Australian wins Social Enterprise blogging comp

Halle Tecco a social entrepreneur from the USA, has announced that Kylie Eastley from Tasmania has won a free pass to the Social Enterprise World Summit in San Francisco plus two nights lodging at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco – in return she will blog about her experiences on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/halletecco  
Kylie is from Tasmania, where she is involved in a few social projects, including Branching Out, a two-year project exploring the potential of Social Enterprise ventures to build sustainability in Community Arts and Cultural programs.

The Big Issue is Women in Business, 16 March, 2010

An impressive list of Sydney business women came together for a luncheon with wife of the Prime Minister of Australia, Therese Rein, introducing a new initiative The Big Issue’s Women’s Subscriptions Enterprise. The initiative will address the issues faced by homeless and disadvantaged women in the community, through the establishment of a subscriptions model selling The Big Issue magazine. Read on: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/news/2010/03/sydneys-top-women-business-come-together-support-homeless-women

Photo credit: Saville Coble - TODAY Show Host Lisa Wilkinson, Wife of the Prime Minister of Australia Therese Rein and Retired Australian Netballer and Ambassador for The Big Issue Liz Ellis.

Social Enterprise and Sustainable Haiti conference

More than 700 attendees from over 40 countries attended the simultaneous Social Enterprise and Sustainable Haiti conferences, and nearly 260 speakers entertained a large number of panels and sessions that spun across a wide range of topics. The sessions were led mostly by local organizations devoted to the promotion of entrepreneurship and market-based approaches to poverty in the region.

Are you a co-op and about to launch?

Keep in mind that www.coop and www.pacific.domains.coop offer registration of domain names specifically for the use of co-ops. To find out whose eligible and if your name is available follow the web links above.

Launches

Social Investment Australia Ltd & Social Impact Property Fund, 14 April 2010

Ms Belinda Drew, CEO, Foresters Community Finance Ltd invites you to attend the launch in the presence of Senator the Hon. Nick Sherry Assistant Treasurer.
The guest for the event is: Mr Christopher Thorn, Executive Director JB Were
For event details: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2010/03/launch-social-investment-australia-ltd-and-social-impact-property-fund 

Net Balance and nef Consulting launch partnership

Net Balance has entered into a partnership with London-based New Economics Foundation (nef) Consulting to bring their method of SROI training to Australia. Net Balance and nef Consulting are running two-day courses designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively use SROI and its findings and to undertake SROI analyses. Further details: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2010/03/net-balance-and-nef-consulting-launch-partnership 

A Comprehensive Two-Day GRI Certified Training Program

Net Balance Foundation and National Centre for Sustainability (NCS) Swinburne are delighted to announce the launch of their accredited course Sustainability Reporting with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

The Big Issue, Taipei 1 April 2010

Homeless people in Taiwan will soon be able to make a living by selling the Chinese version of The Big Issue magazine - marking the first social enterprise model of its kind in the country. 

California Institute for Social Business, 26 February 2010

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus launched the California Institute for Social Business at California State University, Channel Islands, USA. Read more: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/news/2010/03/launch-california-institute-social-business

Grants

Bold Ideas, Better lives

The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) has launched its annual ‘Bold Ideas, Better Lives Challenge’. It is open to individuals, a groups, organisations, or private companies - from anywhere in the world, as long as your idea addresses a social need faced by communities in Australia. They’re committed to supporting up to 10 projects that deal with anything from healthcare to climate change, unemployment to the internet. Find out how to enter: http://www.tacsi.org.au/challenge

Seeking solutions with One Billion Minds

The One Billion Minds mission is to engage a billion young people to change the world by solving real problems posed by corporations and non profits. Students worldwide come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems and winners are offered prizes or job opportunities with businesses and non-profits. Find out how to enter: http://www.onebillionminds.com/ 

Interest-free loans for local businesswomen - ACT

ACT Minister for Women Ms Joy Burch MLA, has announced that women on low incomes can now access loans of up to $3,000 to help them establish or further develop their current business. Applicants must either reside or have a small business located in the ACT to be eligible for a loan. The program is administered through the Lighthouse Innovation Business Centre - a not-for-profit business acceleration centre. Find out how to apply: http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=8107&m=52

Social Enterprise Pitch Competition, Princeton Entrepreneurs’ Network

The Boston and Chicago Chapters of the Princeton Entrepreneurs’ Network have opened their invitation to Australian social enterprises to compete in and attend parallel Social Enterprise Pitch Competitions. Events to be hosted in Boston on April 21st, 2010 and Chicago on April 22nd, 2010. If you’re interested in applying follow this link: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2010/03/social-enterprise-pitch-competition-usa

Victorian Bushfire Business Investment Fund, applications close 30 June 2010

The Australian and Victorian Governments have established a $10 million fund to encourage private sector investment and job creation in areas affected by the February 2009 Victorian bushfires. The Fund aims to restore and improve the business capacity of these areas and enhance economic development to ensure their sustainable future. Successful applications will demonstrate their ability to improve employment, business and economic opportunities in fire-affected regions. Find out more: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/news

Fresh Ideas for Work and Family (FIWF), applications close 31 March

Are you a small business that wants to help your employees by introducing or improving your family friendly work arrangements? Under the FIWF Grants Program, you can get assistance to put into place practices or resources that help your employees better balance their work and family obligations: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/news

Opinion Piece of the Month

Getting the model right : Social Enterprises motivated by employment - Mark Daniels, Learning and Development, Social Traders

This piece initiates a dialogue for those running or interested in running employment creating social enterprises in Australia. The piece looks at the elements, the challenges, the models and the lessons learnt on how to make them work most effectively, specifically revolving around support models and workforce composition - a characteristic that lies at the heart of employment creating social enterprises. To read the full piece follow this link: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/opinion-pieces  

Social Traders will be regularly featuring thought provoking opinion pieces on various topics related to social enterprise. We invite you to share your views on these pieces on our Facebook page, as well as contribute your own opinion pieces by contacting info@socialtraders.com.au 

About Social Enterprise

Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs)

Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) are independent financial institutions that provide community finance products and services to individuals, organisations, enterprises and communities who are underserved by or have difficulty securing finance from mainstream financial institutions. Read More about CDFIs at http://www.socialtraders.com.au/library/community-development-finance-institutions 

We regularly visit CDFI’s on our Social Enterprise Study tours – contact nina.howard@socialtraders.com.au  to find out more details.

CDFIs are just one of a range of Social Enterprise Types – read more about other types: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/social-enterprise-typology 

Social Enterprise Profile

Fitzroy and Carlton Community Credit

The Fitzroy and Carlton Community Credit provides a range of affordable & relevant financial services to their members & people living in their membership area in a way that recognizes FCCC’s ongoing commitment to social justice. They also provide members with the opportunity to better understand their financial circumstances through community education. Check out their website to find out how to bank with and support FCCC: http://www.fccc.com.au/co-op  

Read more social enterprise case studies at www.socialtraders.com.au/library/case-studies  

If you are keen to profile, or would like to contribute a case study of your social enterprise to our website contact us at info@socialtraders.com.au

Events and Workshops

Head of SROI UK Network to visit Australia, CSI

In March and April 2010, Jeremy Nicholls, Chief Executive of the SROI Network and one of the world’s leading experts in SROI, will be visiting Australia to share his expertise in a number of training and information workshops to be held around the country. This is a unique opportunity for people interested in understanding more about SROI or becoming an accredited SROI trainer, to learn from a global thought leader. In addition, SVA is running an introductory workshop on SROI with Jeremy in Brisbane on 1 April 2010. Course dates and more information follow this link: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2010/03/head-sroi-uk-network-visit-australia

Disclosure of a Mental Illness in your workplace, Tuesday 20 April or Wednesday 12 May

Have you ever wondered if you can you ask an employee about their mental illness? Or what are your obligations if someone tells you they need time off because of mental illness? Social Firms Australia (SoFA) is offering two free seminars providing training and information about the legalities of disclosing a mental illness in the workplace. Limited spaces available – to register please see: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2010/03/disclosure-mental-illness-your-workplace

Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF), San Francisco, April 28 - 30 2010

New Approach, New Economy - Realizing the Potential of Social Enterprise.
Join over 600 social entrepreneurs in San Francisco to learn, grow, be inspired, make new connections from around the globe and become part of this expanding movement. For more information on the SEWF:
http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2009/11/social-enterprise-world-forum-2010

Movie Night, Thursday 15 April, 2010

Treat yourself to a good laugh and help to get more projects funded locally through the Inner North Community Foundation. MICMACS is the latest movie from the creator of the beloved Amelie, and promises to keep you entertained. Tickets: $25 (includes beer/wine/soft drink). Bookings close 13th April. Booking details: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2010/03/inner-north-community-foundation-movie-night  

Melbourne’s first Carrot Mob Event, 10.30am – 1pm Saturday 17 April, 2010

Carrotmob is an organisation encouraging businesses to make green and socially responsible changes to their practices. The idea is that they use a ‘carrot’ not a stick. The first event with Hawthorn Local food Market the owner has pledged to spend 100% of extra profit he makes during this event will be spent on making green changes to his business. Find out more: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2010/03/melbourne%E2%80%99s-first-carrot-mob-event

For further information on this and other upcoming events visit www.socialtraders.com.au/news  

We are keen to communicate news and events anywhere in Australia that relates to social enterprise. If you would like us to promote your news or event, post your information to our website at www.socialtraders.com.au/node/add/news or email info@socialtraders.com.au 

Resources and Publications

Master class in social enterprise DVDs now available

DVDs of the one-off 'A Masterclass In Social Enterprise' event held in the UK are now available through Social Traders. The DVD is packed with information, insights and discussion points on social enterprise featuring Tim Smit (Chief Executive and co-founder of the world-renowned Eden Project), Graham Bell, Chief Executive of Kibble - one of the UK’s oldest social enterprises – and award winning business journalist Antonia Swinson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition. Together they draw on decades of experience to share their advice with viewers and reveal hard-won lessons. Limited copies available – please contact Nina to reserve one nina.howard@socialtraders.com.au or 03 9421 7595

Job Opportunities

Youth Enterprise and Workforce Development Specialist – Making Cents Int.

Making Cents International is a social enterprise based in Washington, D.C. MCI is seeking candidates for short-term and long-term positions in the areas of youth enterprise and workforce development for anticipated projects in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia regions. Ideal candidates will have expertise in curriculum development and/or training in youth enterprise and workforce development. Find out how to apply: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/job-opportunities  

For details and a full list of more advertised jobs, visit www.socialtraders.com.au/job-opportunities  

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