- Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade
The Andrews Labor Government is connecting social enterprises across the state through the launch of a new knowledge-sharing and development network.
Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula today announced the creation of the Victorian Social Enterprise Network (SENVIC) during an address at the Social Traders conference in Melbourne.
The Labor Government has provided almost $1.5 million towards the establishment of the network, which will be delivered in partnership with CERES, the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship and Social Traders.
A social enterprise is defined as a business that exists to benefit the community, not owners or shareholders.
The Victorian Social Enterprise Network, an initiative under the Government’s Social Enterprise Strategy, will work to achieve an inclusive and sustainable society by supporting a thriving social enterprise sector.
The network will better connect the social enterprise community in metropolitan and regional Victoria and enable access to learning, knowledge exchange and other opportunities and ultimately grow jobs.
It has been formed with nine founding members – all leaders of long-standing in Victorian social enterprise: Social Traders, CERES, ACRE, The Community Grocer, GAME Traffic and Contracting, Good Cycles, Green Collect, 100 Story Building and STREAT.
There are around 4,000 social enterprises in Victoria, according to the Map for Impact, which contribute more than $5 billion to the state’s economy.
Social enterprises across the state are encouraged to get involved with the Victorian Social Enterprise Network which will enable business growth in the sector and provide opportunities to build investment capabilities.
More information on the Social Enterprise Network is available at www.senvic.org.au.
As noted by Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula
“We’re getting on with growing a strong and inclusive economy that benefits all Victorians through our Social Enterprise Strategy and pioneering social procurement policies.”
“The Victorian Social Enterprise Network will help us achieve greater collaboration in the sector and enable social enterprises to thrive.”
As noted by CERES chief executive Cinnamon Evans
“The establishment of the network is an important step forward for the social enterprise sector and we are thrilled to be working in partnership with the Andrews Government, Social Traders, the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship, other founding members and all social enterprises across Victoria.”
