Community Banks And Social Enterprise – A Positive Social Impact Partnership.

When you think of the role banks play in our communities, it’s not always a positive association. There are those banks, and then there is Community Bank. Locally owned and operated, Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank branches involve themselves in the communities they operate in, fixing social issues and building positive community relationships.

Social Enterprise in the DNA of Community Banks

The social enterprise business model is one that lends itself to support from organisations such as Community Bank. As they say, it’s in the DNA of community banks and should be fostered in their communities.

WorkVentures were proud to be invited to speak at the 2017 Community Bank State Conference in Melbourne yesterday. As a 35 year old social enterprise, the oldest in the IT space in Australia, we have a unique and long history. Our revenue streams provide the means for us to operate within the not for profit sector, where community need continues to increase as government funded options decrease.

To help the conference attendees understand more about this business for good model, a number of other social enterprises presented, including Cotton on – The Unite Project, Westgate Community Initiative Group and Pinchapoo.

In addition, Sandringham Hospital, Upper Yarra Hydro Project, Strathmore, all community projects supported by their local banks were showcased.

The keynote speech was delivered by Mark Daniels, Head of Market and Sector Development for Social Traders, Australia’s leading specialist organisation for the development of viable social enterprise.

Social Enterprise champions

With such a strong and targeted approach, working together to tackle shared community issues and opportunities, the future of social enterprise has a champion in the Community Banks and their enlightened leaders and teams.