A project to convert film canisters into sunglasses and a store to donate pre-loved business clothing for migrant women are among 20 initiatives to share in $200,000 from the City of Melbourne.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the Social Enterprise City Impact Grant program is supporting not-for-profits and start-ups to develop creative solutions for local issues.
“Social enterprises contribute $5.2 billion to Victoria’s economy each year, drawing on the diversity, knowledge and innovative thinking of our wonderful community,” Capp said. “This funding will provide 20 social enterprises with a valuable boost, so they can focus on developing their ideas and delivering important work to support our city’s vibrant future.”
Councillor Rohan Leppert, Environment portfolio lead said the funding round included an increased focus on initiatives that promote a circular economy.
“We’ve allocated $100,000 for social enterprises working on innovative solutions to recycle and reuse resources to minimise waste,” Leppert said. “Supported projects will provide compost education, offer zero-waste coffee machine rental and will even recycle nappies into cat litter.”
Other grant recipients include: STEM Sisters, to open a store allowing people to donate pre-loved business clothing for migrant women and Rollup Recycling, to convert used carpet into new products.
Precious Plastic Melbourne received funding for a project to turn film canister waste into recycled sunglasses.
“For some time now, we’ve been determined to find an innovative solution to help close the loop on plastic film canister waste – this grant will enable us to fast-track this exciting project,” Kayla Mossuto, Precious Plastic Melbourne founder said. “We’re committed to creating circular economies for local plastic waste streams, through responsible, sustainable manufacturing and the development of functional products.”
For more information, visit: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
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