Businesses and not-for-profits encouraged to get innovative

Published on 13 August 2024

Entrepreneurs and established businesses looking to grow or innovate in Singleton can now apply for a minimum of $10,000 after changes to eligibility for the Singleton Community Economic Development Fund.

The groundbreaking fund, established in a partnership between Singleton Council, The Bloomfield Group and Glencore to best use VPA (voluntary planning agreement) proceeds, is broadening its objectives to increase economic growth and productivity, as well as promote health and wellbeing for the people of Singleton by expanding eligibility.

Round 4, which opens on 1 September, will be the first time businesses can apply for funding since the Fund began in 2021. To date, the Fund has contributed more than $1.5million to community projects.

Businesses and entrepreneurs applying for funding must meet strict criteria for projects that drives long-term economic prosperity and diversity, responds to market demands and creates new employment or business opportunities for the Singleton LGA.

Potential applicants must attend one of the free following information sessions to be eligible:

Thursday 15 August | 5.30pm –6.30pm | Virtual
Friday 16 August | 1 – 2pm | In person
Monday 19 August | 10 – 11am | In person
Monday 23 September | 5.30 – 6.30pm | Virtual

Mayor of Singleton and chairperson of the CEDF Board, Cr Sue Moore said opening up the fund to both not-for-profit organisations and commercial interests significantly increased the potential for innovative projects.

“The Board identified that our community could be missing out on ideas and opportunities to meet the objectives of the Fund, which includes economic growth and evolution, by limiting eligibility to community organisations,” she said.

“We’ve seen some amazing projects delivered for our community during the life of the Fund so far, meeting needs for social inclusion and improving quality of life for our residents.

“But we recognise that innovation also comes from private interests who may have an idea or a plan for expansion that will improve prosperity for our community in addition to returning a profit.”

The Bloomfield Group Chief Development Officer Geoff Moore said it’s great to welcome both businesses and community organisations to the information sessions, which are designed to give potential applicants the best chance of being successful.

“It is compulsory to attend one session because we want to make sure everyone understands what we’re looking for in the applications and to provide some background on how they will be assessed,” he said.

“With the change in eligibility, we are looking forward to receiving a broad range of applications that drive economic prosperity and address social priorities.”

For more information about the CEDF or to register for an information session, click here.