Parramatta City Council Grants Program

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25 AFRICAN WOMEN’S CLEANING ENTERPRISE QUOTABLE QUOTE: Be aware that starting up a social enterprise is time consuming and that you need to be prepared to sacrifice . . . your time. SOCIAL PURPOSE: The African Women’s Cleaning Enterprise was established to create employment opportunities for unemployed African women who had been assisted to undertake Asset Cleaning training but had been unable to find a job in the mainstream market. This social enterprise aims to provide practical skills that will assist newly arrived refugee and migrant women to settle in Australia. TRADING FOCUS: The African Women’s Cleaning Enterprise provides domestic and commercial cleaning services, targeting the African community, non profit organisations, community services provided by councils, and real estate agents (for end of lease services). THE ISSUE: Many recently arrived migrants and refugees are offered a range of training programs to help them settle in Australia, including programs aimed at assisting them to find jobs. However, this approach has only generated limited actual employment opportunities. Having completed an Asset Cleaning Certificate with a group of women, the Founder of the African Women’s Cleaning Enterprise was
epeatedly disappointed at being unsuccessful in finding a position. Instead of giving up, she decided that she would start her own enterprise, one that aimed to employ other African women like herself. The enterprise would be designed to cater for flexible working arrangements, so that the women could continue their family caring responsibilities while also bringing in some income and gaining experience in the Australian work environment. THE JOURNEY TO DATE: Having lived in Western Sydney for six years, the African Women’s Cleaning Enterprise Manager is well connected with other African women who equally determined to gain a toehold in the employment market. After undertaking business planning, the Manager began promoting its cleaning services in September 2011. A number of cleaning jobs have been undertaken and the enterprise will grow over the next few years. As the enterprise grows and becomes viable, the number of women employed will gradually increase. The social enterprise currently operates out of the Manager’s home in Blacktown, and aims to service clients across the Parramatta region. The service is being promoted extensively at various community events in the Parramatta local government area. It is also linking with local migrant service organisations in order to connect with local women who may be interested in being involved. PARRAMATTA CITY COUNCIL SOCIAL ENTERPRISE GRANTS FUNDING: AWCE has received $35,000 over four years, commencing in 2010. HOW HAS COUNCIL MADE A DIFFERENCE? Council’s funding enabled the development of a business plan for the African Women’s Cleaning Enterprise concept, with the advisor providing much needed advice on the process. An auspice organisation was also brokered for the enterprise, with Multicultural Enterprises Australia at the Fairfield Migrant Resource Centre providing welcome support. Subsequent funding has provided the resources to begin the start-up phase. A Westpac business mentor recently matched with the project will be providing advice on marketing and promotion, financial management, pricing and costing, and process mapping. ADVICE FOR STARTING UP A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE? Be very patient and aware that it takes time for a social enterprise to stand by itself, for example it is hard to accomplish your dreams in one year. Be aware that it will be challenging when there are well established existing business in your field. Accept that that starting up a social enterprise is time consuming and will require sacrifice of your time. SNAPSHOT: Status: Start up Paid workers: Per cleaning job Volunteers: Two volunteers Location: Trading across Parramatta region 26
Page 1 and 2: Parramatta City Council Grants Prog
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS Introduction..............
Page 5 and 6: We now realise that there are a ran
Page 7 and 8: THE JOURNEY TO DATE: Building on it
Page 9 and 10: THE JOURNEY TO DATE: The enterprise
Page 11 and 12: THE ISSUE: Many women who arrive in
Page 13 and 14: THE JOURNEY TO DATE: After completi
Page 15 and 16: THE ISSUE: A wide range of governme
Page 17 and 18: THE JOURNEY TO DATE: Since its esta
Page 19 and 20: little knowledge of community servi
Page 21 and 22: THE JOURNEY TO DATE: From its start
Page 23 and 24: THE ISSUE: In late 2008, Riverside
Page 25 and 26: multitude of training opportunities
Page 27: The need for role models that can d
Page 31 and 32: The safe and supportive environment
Page 33 and 34: THE ISSUE: Food Connect Sydney aims
Page 35 and 36: THE JOURNEY TO DATE: Shortland Blac
Page 37 and 38: THE JOURNEY TO DATE: The Parramatta
Page 39 and 40: THE ISSUE: First impressions really
Page 41 and 42: THE ISSUE: A needs assessment condu
Page 43: w Community Capacity Building Team

Parramatta City Council Grants Program

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