All businesses benefit greatly from the services provided by professional services companies, including social enterprises. By providing these services on a pro bono basis, a company can support the operations and growth of a social enterprise and in turn have a significant impact on their local community. It also provides their employees with the opportunity to combine head and heart and gain great satisfaction out of making a real impact in their community.
In the past, our participant social enterprises have benefited tremendously from various services such as pro bono legal advice, accounting, IT support and printing.
Case study – Pro bono services for local social enterprises
Sustainable Gardening Services led by Paul Schmidt benefited from the Hub Accelerator program as soon as it was launched.
Paul was in the process of evaluating - with the intention to purchase, a local lawn mowing business from a retiring mower man. Having never bought a business before, nor having put in place a legal document for such a transaction, the Hub was able to facilitate pro bono legal services provided by Mallesons Stephen Jaques.
The Mallesons work provided assurance that the business Paul and SGS were buying was under a legal contract. Further, as SGS has grown since 2003, the initial structure of a sole trader was becoming limiting. The Hub was again able to assist Paul with both business and legal support to assist in transitioning SGS to a company limited by guarantee.
Mallesons have provided the framework and legal know-how to make this transition possible. When complete, this transition will put SGS in a better position to grow and support its workers.
If you are interested in exploring opportunities for your company to provide pro bono services to social enterprises in your community, contact us.
