10 rural entrepreneurs and business leaders awarded grants to attend the Social Enterprise World (Rural) Forum.

Ten entrepreneurs and business leaders passionate about creating positive change in their rural and regional communities, have been selected to attend the Social Enterprise World (Rural) Forum and access a package of capacity building support valued at $5,000, thanks to Westpac Agribusiness and the forum’s Major Partner, the Westpac Foundation.

The 2022 Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF22) is the leading forum for international exchange and collaboration in social entrepreneurship and social investment. The Rural Forum, a highlight on the event calendar, is specifically focused on fostering entrepreneurship in local communities and addressing the unique challenges faced by those living outside metro areas.

The 10 grant recipients selected to attend the Social Enterprise World (Rural) Forum and receive additional benefits include:

New South Wales

• Rebel Black, CEO at The Hungry Spirit - Lightning Ridge 
• Tiffany Winters, Chairperson for the Yarruu Indigenous Corporation – Brewarrina 
• Joel Orchard, Principal Coordinator at Young Farmers Connect - Lismore 

Victoria

• Mary O'Malley,  Project Lead Wilderness Workspace – Mallacoota
• Rebecca Crawley, Co-owner of Dumu Pty Ltd - Bright
• Matt Grogan, Solicitor at Halliday Solicitors – Beechworth

Queensland

• Kalair McArthur, Director at the Ethix Group Pty Ltd - Wandal
• Harry Sillett, General Manager of Social Impact & Operations at Vanguard Laundry, Harristown

South Australia

• Holly Cowan, Economic Development Officer at the District Council of Cleve - Cleve 

Northern Territory

• Alexie Seller, Co-CEO at the Enterprise Learning Projects / Impact North - Parap

“I am passionate about social justice and the opportunity for socially focused micro-enterprises to increase opportunities for rural people, women particularly,” says Rebel Black, CEO at The Hungry Spirit. 

“Having the chance to participate in the SEWF Rural Forum gives me the chance to apply my learnings to our programs, benefiting those we support. It also gives me the opportunity to broaden my networks in the rural social enterprise space, connecting other social enterprises to our work and communities.”

Westpac’s National General Manager, Agribusiness, Stephen Hannan said we all play a part in the sustainability of our rural towns and industries. 

“Whether it’s individuals, groups or businesses like Westpac, our rural communities share a culture of working together for outcomes that benefit everyone in the long term – we’re all in this through thick and thin. Westpac congratulates these 10 worthy grant recipients on their ongoing commitment to seeking sustainable solutions,” said Mr Hannan.

“In our experience, growth and progress aren’t possible without knowledge or understanding and it’s reassuring to see this group demonstrate these quantities. This really is an opportunity for these bright minds to proactively contribute to the long term sustainability of our important rural communities and adopting new approaches to address future challenges.”

The Social Enterprise Business Boost recipients package includes:

• 1 x ticket to the 3-day SEWF Rural Forum hosted by the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship in Beechworth Victoria, including accommodation and $500 funding towards travel.
• 1 x digital ticket to the Social Enterprise World Forum 2022 being held in Brisbane (27 to 29 September 2022). 
• 2 x 1 hour Westpac Davidson Institute financial education sessions for guidance on money matters including maximising profits, saving or cashflow.
• 1 x 4 month virtual Group Leadership Program with Westpac Foundation.
• 1 x Resilience workshop and online wellbeing course by the Black Dog Institute Foundation.

The Social Enterprise Business Boost grant opportunity was launched on National Ag Day last year, a day that celebrates everything about our agricultural sector, and is aimed at helping those who support regional Australia. 

If you're interested in attending the 2022 Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF22) and need support to do so, additional bursaries for online and in-person participation are available. Bursaries are limited, so be sure to get your application in by 1 June 2022. https://sewfonline.com/events/sewf-2022/bursaries/.