Long-Term Projects
Portable computerised safety system
A small company had developed a portable computerised safety system for managing explosives underground. The system was attracting interest in the mining industry but the company needed to ‘professionalise’ in order to turn ‘interest’ into ‘sales’.
In 2007, the Foundation provided a grant of less than $10,000 which allowed the company to establish an office in Broken Hill and market its product. Individual Foundation Directors also provided some mentoring support and the Board has maintained regular contact and provided support in a number of other small ways.
By providing ‘risk capital’ assistance at the start-up stage, the Foundation assisted a home-based start-up operation to move from development and trial stages into market sales and service.
The company is now employing three people, exporting its initial product external to Broken Hill, has developed new complementary products and has significant potential for growth. The company is now preparing to donate back to the Foundation’s Capital Fund.
Manufacturing/Retail Outlet
A small manufacturing/retail outlet was given a grant of less than $10,000 in February 2008 to expand on-site equipment which would enable the business to supply an increased range of products locally and to export products intrastate and interstate.
Two people were employed to work with this equipment – one full-time-equivalent position (FTE) – and the sustainability of the family-run business (employing another 2.5 FTEs) has been significantly enhanced.
Broken Hill as an adventure-based holiday destination
A 2009 project which has already achieved outcomes (and has significant on-going potential) involved a local business travelling to North America to promote Broken Hill as an adventure-based holiday destination.
The Foundation contributed less than $4000 to make this trip possible, but a number of travel agents have since visited the city on several ‘familiarisation tours’, with subsequent bookings achieved.
Lavender as a retail operation and tourist attraction
In 2006, the Foundation assisted Silverlea Employment and Training Services with a grant of $6000 to trial the production of lavender as a retail operation and tourist attraction.
Although there have been subsequent difficulties following subdivision of the land, the retail side of the operation continues, attracts tourists and provides employment for people with a disability.
‘Green’ fertiliser manufacturer
The Foundation’s association with a locally based ‘green’ fertiliser manufacturer began back in 2003, with a grant of around $7000 to achieve CSIRO accreditation for its products.
The business’s progress has been monitored and assisted by Foundation Directors since that time (for example in protecting intellectual property and negotiating supply issues) and a further grant of less than $3000 was provided in 2010 to assist the business develop more professional packaging on an order into Bunnings (SA).
The business has grown to supply product to end-users in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory – and employment has fluctuated between two and ten FTE positions. This business is currently in an exciting development stage with significant potential for the future – and the Foundation remains involved in providing support.