Enterprise Development Program

The Enterprise Development Program (EDP) assists members from newly emerging communities to start their own micro-businesses and social enterprises. The Enterprise Development Program has been meeting the unique needs of refugee entrepreneurs with one-on-one business planning support to develop business ideas from market research to establishment.

An innovative workshop series aimed at demystifying business for those from refugee backgrounds will be launched in 2012.   Also under the EDP we are currently expanding the volunteer business mentor scheme where established business people can mentor new communities settling in Australia to get their businesses up and running.

 Most refugees are very willing to work hard and contribute to their new country.  Many also arrive with a range of useful skills but often need help with understanding the legal and financial requirements to establish businesses in Australia.

 SPIRAL Community Hub was funded a pilot program in 2007 by Immigration and Citizenship to run an enterprise development program with refugees.  The success of this program resulted in a three year contract with DIAC.

The program has so far assisted more than 90 people who have arrived in  Australia as ‘humanitarian entrants’ fleeing persecution to establish nine new businesses in Australia. Businesses have included:

• Restaurants
• Cafes
• Catering services
• A multicultural employment agency
• An African grocery store
• A cleaning company
• A dressmaking and African Australian fusion fashion label
• A satellite installation company
• A weaving business used by interior design companies.