The Australian Government is making $20 million available through the Social Enterprise Development and Investment Funds (SEDIF) to provide social enterprises with access to independent sources of capital and support.

Banks, financial institutions and other entities who put forward successful proposals will match the Government’s investment, creating a total pool of $40 million.

Minister Ellis said that the SEDIF guidelines will support organisations with relevant investment expertise and capability in applying for a one-off government grant. This will help establish funds that will provide seed and growth capital for social enterprises.

The SEDIF guidelines are available at the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website with applications open until 18 February 2011.

The City of Melbourne is set to hold two training sessions for local community organisations in order to build their management capabilities.

The two training sessions will be sponsored by the City of Melbourne and run by the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS) as part of the Rural and Regional Training Program.

The VCOSS Rural and Regional Training program will deliver 40 training sessions across Victoria, focussing on staff and volunteers from the community sector.

For more information visit the VCOSS website.