Industry
The type of industry you choose to operate in not only gives your WISE a particular direction and culture, but can impact finance, funding and program outcomes. Aligning your social goals and strategy with the right industry or vehicle for change can help.
Consider if the costs of operating in the industry are high or low; if they are high, how will you offset your expenses? You will need to be able to sell your product/services at a margin. It’s important to find out if there is a market for the goods/services you are thinking of producing.
Type of Industry
Disability Enterprises operate across multiple industries. There are both social and financial benefits in diverse industry engagement: Disability Enterprises are able to service different industries and offer different goods/services to clients, and individuals are exposed to different work environments and skill sets in different industry areas. For example, the Landscaping WISE involves on- and off-site contractual work which means that individuals experience a range of working environments outside the WISE premises.
Connecting with industries that have a culture of care, understanding, and are responsive to individual needs and passions supports wellbeing. Disability Enterprises can assist industries and employers to build their capacity for inclusion.
Labour Market and Employment
Consider if there are employment opportunities or other significant benefits for individuals in your chosen industry area/s. For example, will employment opportunities be accessible and local, or will people be expected to travel and commute?
Consider the skills that individuals will develop and how these match with Open Employment opportunities. For instance, if you are a Nursery that teaches horticulture skills, consider if there are other opportunities in Open Employment in horticulture for individuals in the local area. Consider how the WISE can function as a talent pool for local industry.
