Wise Foundation

The Wise Foundation "believes that all people and communities should have the opportunity to achieve economic independence through business. Our core mission is, ‘To strengthen communities through assisting the creation of innovative economic models.’

"Based in Melbourne, Australia, the Wise Foundation was formed in April 2008 to further the community development and social commitments of The Body Shop Australia, the Adidem group of companies and the Wise family."

Projects
Projects currently being supported or funded through the Wise Foundation include:


 * Bizness Babes (www.biznessbabes.com.au), a national programme created to assist marginalised women to create micro businesses.
 * Footsteps Enterprises (www.footstepsenterprises.com.au), a programme to assist indigenous people identify business opportunities and create enterprises that benefit themselves and their communities. (Bridget Garay)
 * Bleeding Heart Cafe & Gallery (www.bleedingheart.com.au), a hub of social enterprise based in Brisbane, with a national focus on assisting in the development of micro businesses for indigenous and marginalised communities and people.
 * Mulgrave Farmers Market (www.mulgravefarmersmarket.com.au), a weekly market built on social enterprise principles in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The market enables primary producers to sell direct to the public, providing the community with affordable prices. The market also enables graduates of the Bizness Babes program to develop and run their own micro businesses and gain access to the mainstream markets in an equitable retail environment.
 * Children in East Timor (through the international programme, Children On The Edge, www.childrenontheedge.org), which supports a children’s centre and playscheme, a safe and friendly place for young orphans and children affected by the troubles in East Timor.

Contact

 * Web: http://www.wisefoundation.com.au