The City of Greater Bendigo, in collaboration with Workforce Australia Local Jobs Bendigo and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce, is delighted to invite local businesses to the Social Procurement Supplier Expo from 11am to 2pm at Red Energy Arena on Wednesday July 24, featuring over 50 exhibitors.
Social procurement activities look to deliver social and economic outcomes beyond the traditional buying or selling of goods and services. It can help businesses and organisations to build relationships with suppliers and buyers committed to ethical and sustainable activities that benefit the community.
The free Social Procurement Supplier Expo at Red Energy Arena will highlight over 50 exhibitors including Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative, Coliban Water, Bendigo TAFE, La Trobe University, Bendigo Community Health Services, SisterWorks, CVGT Employment, Social Traders, and the Minerals Council of Australia.
City Acting Manager Economic Development Jacqueline Murphy said the expo provided businesses with a greater understanding of how to get involved in social procurement and the benefits.
"Many businesses are looking at ways to contribute to the community in a positive way that is more than just offering goods and services.
"They are seeking 'socially responsible' roles such as working with a social enterprise, offering opportunities to disadvantaged people and including social procurement as part of normal business activities," Ms Murphy said.
"Social procurement can also help businesses to access new markets and new avenues for a competitive edge.
"It can drive positive outcomes for the community and the environment while at the same time create new opportunities for businesses to add value to their operations.
"I encourage businesses to register for the Social Procurement Supplier Expo and take advantage of this free event."
The Social Procurement Supplier Expo will cover social procurement opportunities such as new staff onboarding processes in an organisation, employment support services, business to business collaboration and government support.
Expo highlights include:
- Direct and indirect approaches to social procurement
- Insights on purchasing from social enterprises, First Nations businesses and Australian disability enterprises
- Notable examples of successful social procurement initiatives
Benefits for local businesses attending:
- Gain insights about social procurement practices and opportunities
- Learn how to connect and tender for work in the social procurement sector
- Network with key stakeholders and other businesses, build valuable relationships, and discover new opportunities
- Better understand the value of social procurement and learn about its benefits and importance in today's market
