How Local Councils Can Support Social Enterprise in Victoria Like C2A

Victorian Councils have goals and objectives focused around sustainability and community support. Collaborating with a social enterprise in Victoria can help to accomplish both.

A relationship between a Council and a social enterprise delivers a triple win because it benefits the social enterprise, members of the community and the Council itself.

If your Council is seeking ways to give back that also help to reduce costs and their carbon footprint while making a meaningful difference to the community, keep reading.

How councils can support social enterprise in Victoria

There are a number of ways Councils can collaborate with social enterprises to deliver shared impact beyond simply giving donations. Here are three to start with

1. Integrate social procurement practices

Social procurement involves hiring people with disability and giving them the opportunity to join the workforce. The benefit for local governments is that the venture helps to keep costs reasonable, meet ESG targets and actively support the local community.

What C2A can provide through social procurement:

• Cleaning (premises and vehicles).
• Gardening, landscaping and grounds maintenance.
• Recycling and environmental services.
• Assembly and packaging (production services).

Our team members are fully trained and supervised, and supported by a Business Manager. They work in a 1-3 ratio with Support Workers overseeing their activities.

Why social procurement benefits councils

Social procurement gives Councils the potential to offer someone their first ever paycheck and a fulfilling role in the community. Our clients tell us often that it is a rewarding exercise for everyone involved.

Download our capability statement

2. Sponsor & promote social enterprises

Forming a long-term partnership with a social enterprise creates a foundation for greater community impact.

Ways councils can offer support

• Grant funding or seed support for community programs.
• Facility leasing at discounted rates for op shops or training centres.
• Joint initiatives around waste diversion, volunteering or employment.
• Promotion and recognition through Council communication channels.

Partnering with a social enterprise enhances visibility and reputation, creating great PR opportunities by making genuine and meaningful differences.

Find out more about donating to C2A

3. Promote recycling and the circular economy

Circular economy principles are central to many Council sustainability plans, throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.

How C2A contributes to local circular economy goals

C2A operates several op shops in Victoria, selling donated goods to keep valuable resources out of landfills, whilst creating meaningful employment and volunteering opportunities. These stores are community hubs and local treasure troves.

If we don’t have a store in your area, connect with a local outlet to find out how you can support waste reduction by collaborating with op shops and community collection sites.

Celebrate world social enterprise day on 20 November 2025

Each year, World Social Enterprise Day recognises the positive impact of enterprises that put people and purpose before profit. In 2025, this day will be celebrated on 20 November, providing a timely opportunity for Councils across Victoria to showcase their partnerships and highlight the power of social enterprise.

How councils can participate

For Councils, World Social Enterprise Day is a chance to:

• Highlight local organisations that help create employment opportunities.
• Share stories of collaboration that improve community wellbeing.
• Commit to new social procurement or sustainability goals for the year ahead.

Supporting social enterprises in Victoria like C2A during this global celebration helps shine a light on local innovation and the role councils play in creating a fairer, more sustainable future.

About C2A

C2A (Connecting2Ability) is a registered NDIS provider and not-for-profit organisation that has been supporting people with disability since 1953.

Operating from 10 sites in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, our social enterprise provides a diverse range of engaging activities and support programs, including high-quality care, skills development, social activities and supported employment.

We are always looking to connect with local Councils that are interested in social procurement and keen to support organisations that provide essential services and programs to people with disability.