Switched-On Enterprises aims to create social and economic opportunity for disadvantaged groups. This project assists small social enterprises in the non-profit sector that serve as training centres for those who face significant challenges in gaining employment. The team imparts basic business skills to help the enterprise develop a more competitive business model. As the profits from the business operations are reinvested back into the training program, a more profitable business enhances their ability to provide valuable skills training to the participants.

Non-profit organisations often struggle with the business aspects of their initiatives. The goal of this project is thus to improve existing business practices and boost competitiveness, and ultimately, to ensure their long-term viability. To achieve this, the team provides basic education in various areas of business operations such as accounting, pricing, budgeting and inventory management. The vision is to build upon these business essentials by developing management and marketing modules.

The team is currently engaged with a number of initiatives established by disability service provider Yooralla, and the government-funded Adult Multicultural Education Services. In 2010, Switched-On Enterprises will be expanding operations and engaging new social enterprises.

Project Managers: Celine Yim & Mitheran Selvendran

switched-on@unimelbsife.org.au