December Update...

Working closely with Business and Employment, Australian Business Arts Foundation and other business, arts and community organisations, we are exploring the best models that could work for the regionally based groups to enter the world of Social Enterprise.

When starting any new venture there is an element of calculated risk and a moment of jumping in with either investment money or resources. We are now at that point.

We are continuing to work alongside a dedicated group of people in Sheffield on a Community Gallery Social Enterprise, currently teasing out the financial viability and pulling together an updated business plan.
The work with Interweave in Launceston has been really dynamic with the group identifying a range of opportunities, but determining one avenue that could support and profile the art produced by artists in the Launceston area.
Branching Out is a challenging and exciting project with two key components: 1 the strategic Management-including research, networking and establishing partnerships and 2 the Operational and implementation of the pilot projects. Including identifying key skill requirements, community needs and working with the groups to move the projects forward.

Pitching Your Project

One of the most interesting and inspiring programs held at the recent Social Enterprise World Forum in Melbourne was the pitching of ideas to a panel with representatives from business, community and government.
In front of an audience participants had only 6 minutes to tout their wares and give clear and real indications of how the proposed projects could be financially, socially and environmentally viable.
The aim of the pitch was to attract start up funds for a range of fantastic programs. Business plans and research had been done in preparation for the pitch and the really exciting part was that some of the projects were successful and received start up funds.
Our research and learnings to date suggest that creative industries need an injection of resources and money at the set up stage, just like any business venture.
Perhaps pitching could be one approach-What do you think?