The Albanese Labor Government has announced a $2.3 million investment into 22 social enterprises breaking cycles of disadvantage across Australia.
This funding will open up new opportunities for some of the most marginalised communities across every state and territory, including First Nations people, women experiencing domestic violence and persons with disabilities.
One of the 22 grants has been awarded to Plate It Forward, a Sydney social enterprise providing culinary and hospitality career pathways for marginalised community members. Each week, they donate over 2,000 free, nutritious, restaurant-quality meals to locals in need.
Yesterday Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek visited Kabul Social, a Plate It Forward restaurant run by Afghan refugees in the Sydney CBD, and heard firsthand stories about how social enterprises can change lives.
The funding we have announced means Plate It Forward will be able to scale up their business model and provide more employment and training opportunities for refugees, migrants and individuals facing disadvantage.
Other social enterprises which have received funding include:
- HoMie, a Melbourne streetwear label creating employment pathways for young people effected by homelessness;
- Magabala Books, a Broome-based Indigenous publishing house fostering the creative and professional development of First Nations authors and illustrators; and
- FutureTech, a social enterprise providing online and in-person peer support programs to help neurodivergent youth to thrive.
This funding is a key component of the Albanese Labor Government’s Targeting Entrenched Disadvantage Package, worth more than $230 million, which supports innovative, community-led solutions to break cycles of disadvantage.
A total of 32 social enterprises have now received a grant under the Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI), with up to 60 expected to be awarded a grant over the course of the initiative. Expressions of interest remain open until 31 August 2025, with applications due 30 September 2025.
More information on SEDI is available on the Department of Social Services website.
