The Upper Murray Community Bakery is an initiative by Corryong Neighbourhood House (CNH) to increase employment and training opportunities in rural Victoria. The commercial income stream generated by the bakery business also enables CNH to become less dependent on (government) grant funding. CNH was successful in securing a loan from Social Enterprise Finance Australia (SEFA) to purchase an existing bakery business. The bakery started operating in July 2015.
Upper Murray Community Bakery
The Initiative
Purpose of capital
For Corryong Neighbourhood House to purchase a bakery business to create opportunities for employment, workplace training and additional income.
Geography
Corryong in regional Victoria, at the gateway to the Snowy Mountains, about 450km northeast of Melbourne.
Scale of impact
Once fully operational the bakery business will provide training and employment for up to 6 full time employees per annum and will generate an additional $50,000-$100,000 in commercial surplus to fund community projects.
Timeline
The opportunity to buy the next door bakery came up early 2015. In a matter of months a business plan was written and the Board approved the purchase of the bakery and gave its consent to borrow against existing properties. At the start of the 2016 Financial year the Community Centre owned the business and commenced trading.
The Investment
Investor
Social Enterprise Finance Australia (SEFA Loan Fund)
Investee
Corryong Neighbourhood House Inc. (CNH)
Investment structure and terms
Private investment
- Equity contribution from Corryong Neighbourhood House for 10% of the total project value Impact fund Investment
- Debt from Social Enterprise Finance Australia Ltd (SEFA) provided a term loan for 90% of the total project value
Arranger/Lead
N/A
Source of deal
CNH was referred to SEFA by a local government representative.
The Impact
Social, cultural or environmental impact
The objective is to provide training and employment for local youth and long term unemployed. It is expected that the bakery business (once fully operational) will employ 6 full time employees per annum.
Financial Return
Financial impact
Undisclosed.
Other
Future opportunities
CNH has identified other possible opportunities to create employment and additional income for community activities, but focuses on the bakery business first.
