Brotherhood backs Ganbina with innovation grant
Wednesday, 15 June 2005

Ganbina (www.ganbina.com.au) has been offered an opportunity to manufacture and distribute a unique patented seat cushion devised by The SeatWorks (www.theseatworks.com.au).

However, a full feasibility study and business plan is required before Ganbina can commit to venture and that’s where The Brotherhood of St Laurence (www.bsl.org.au) has stepped in to help. The Brotherhood of St Laurence offered two $15,000 innovation grants to indigenous organisations seeking backers at the Yorta Yorta trading floor event in Shepparton in November 2004 conducted by the indigenous stock exchange (see www.isx.org.au/projects/tradingfloor_index.html).

Thirty-six venture ideas were presented by over two dozen organisations at the event and Ganbina’s SeatWorks enterprise was first to attract support from the Brotherhood. The grant from the Brotherhood will enable a full feasibility study to be conduced during 2005. This enterprise could potentially provide a source of financial independence for the peak indigenous representative body in the Goulburn Valley for economic employment & training issues.

If the SeatWorks enterprise reaches its full potential it will further provide a structure for introducing individuals into the experience of employment, so as to allow for transition to private sector workplace participation.