Social Enterprise Loan Fund

Launched in March 2025, the Social Enterprise Loan Fund is a loan fund specifically designed for “social enterprises” supporting employment pathways.

For the purposes of the Social Enterprise Loan Fund, a social enterprise is a not-for-profit (or an Indigenous business) with deductible gift recipient (DGR) status.  A for-profit business with a social purpose (such as Thank You Water) is not eligible for this loan fund. 

Full Eligibility Rules

To be eligible for a Social Enterprise Loan Fund, there is a number of requirements you need to meet.  These include:

• Be a not-for-profit (or an Indigenous business) with deductible gift recipient (DGR) status, registered and operating in Australia for at least 2 years.
• Generate over 50% of your income from trade of at least $50,000 pa.
• Be either:
  • Social Traders certified
  • People and Planet First verified
  • Supply Nation registered
  • A member of your state’s peak social enterprise body
  • Have registered your interest with the relevant body for certification.
• Pay full award wages.
• Create jobs for people facing complex barriers to employment.
• Primarily employ and support individuals from at least one of these groups:
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Adults aged 65 and over
  • Migrants, refugees, or asylum seekers
  • People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
  • Residents in rural, regional, or remote communities
  • People with disabilities
  • Individuals with recent or current experience of homelessness
  • Youth (aged 15 to under 25)
  • Other individuals with documented experiences of disadvantage not listed here
• Be able to demonstrate employment and support for people experiencing barriers to work through:
  • Independent evaluations
  • Participation in government programs (e.g., Skilling Queenslanders for Work, Disability Employment Services)
  • De-identified data on employees (e.g., numbers of employees from target cohorts, residence locations)
  • Qualitative or photographic evidence of employment and support initiatives
• Provide past and projected financial statements if available.
• Present a clear plan for how the loan will be used and the expected social and financial impact.
• Have a management team with strong dedication to the social mission and relevant experience.

Loan Terms

Loan amounts: From $100,000 to $500,000

Interest rates: As low as 6.5%

Terms: Up to 7 years

Flexible structure: Tailored to the unique needs of social enterprises

Learn More

Click here to learn more about the Social Enterprise Loan Fund and apply for a loan

Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.

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Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052