White Box Enterprises is excited to announce the three disability enterprises selected for the Disability Enterprise Evolve Program: genU, Waverley Social Enterprises, and Intelife.
The two-year Evolve Program represents a bold step forward in reimagining disability employment, providing a practical pathway for disability enterprises (formerly known as Australian Disability Enterprises or ADEs) to evolve into more impactful jobs-focused social enterprises.
With a focus on fairer wages, inclusive workplaces, and lasting systemic change, the program aims to demonstrate the transformative potential of the social enterprise model.
Mark Daniels, COO of White Box Enterprises, said: "The Evolve program is about demonstrating what’s possible when disability enterprises are empowered to adopt the jobs-focused social enterprise model.
“genU, Waverley, and Intelife are already making a difference, and this program will help them achieve more equitable, inclusive, and impactful workplaces.
“At its core, the Evolve Program is about creating a future where every person with a disability can access meaningful, well-paid work in inclusive environments that unlock their full potential."
Intelife crew member.
The participants
genU is one of Australia’s largest NDIS providers. Through their disability enterprise, they employ 260 people with disabilities in industries including food services, business services and land care across Victoria.
Intelife, based in Western Australia, supports 140 people with disabilities in employment across facilities management, asset maintenance, and horticulture.
Waverley Social Enterprises provides employment opportunities for over 330 people with disabilities across the greater Melbourne region in industries including catering, packaging, assembly, on site labour and grounds maintenance.
What Evolve offers?
Over the next two years, these three organisations will receive:
- An estimated 150 days of pro-bono consulting.
- Up to $350,000 in grant funding per organisation to support their transformation.
- Access to impact investment, industry connections, and systems tailored to their unique needs.
In partnership with White Box, each organisation will undergo a comprehensive review of their operations to develop and implement a roadmap for change.
The Evolve Program goes beyond transforming the operations of three organisations. It serves as a blueprint for systemic change. By showing how the social enterprise model can deliver superior outcomes, it provides a pathway for government and businesses across the nation to create a fairer future for all Australians with disabilities.
Greg gives a thumbs up at Waverley Social Enterprises.
Nick Williamson, CEO of Waverley Social Enterprises, said they were deeply honoured and extraordinarily excited to be selected for the Disability Enterprise Evolve Program.
“Our innovative team has an ambitious vision for a joyful and meaningful future for everyone involved with Waverley. The opportunity provided by the program will enable us to deliver deeply on that vision, to enhance our impact and provide more opportunities for our wonderful workmates. We look forward to collaborating with the White Box leadership team to drive purposeful change,” he said.
Paul Fleay, CEO of Intelife, said the two-year initiative represented an exciting opportunity to transform how we create meaningful and sustainable employment pathways for people with disabilities.
“The Evolve Program offers invaluable access to tailored support, including expert consultancy, funding opportunities, and industry connections. This will enable us to refine our operations and expand the impact we have on our participants' lives and our community,” he said.
“At Intelife, we are committed to making innovative change in the disability employment sector, partnering with White Box Enterprises allows us to continue breaking down barriers, fostering independence, and building a future where everyone has access to meaningful work. We look forward to the journey ahead and working with White Box Enterprises to shape a more inclusive employment landscape.”
genU Business Enterprises Development Manager Rob Gervasoni, supported employee Brittany McHarry, genU Director Employment Services Jaime-Lee Demmer and supported employee Sandra Dawson.
Clare Amies, CEO of genU, said thanks to the innovative Evolve Program, genU had an “outstanding opportunity” to expand their impact and continue securing long-term opportunities for people with disability across Australia.
“Our existing employment model gets results for people with disability, through creating the right environment for people to follow their passion, identify their skills and strengths, and reach their employment goals,” she said.
“We are excited about the potential this program has to benefit our 400 supported employees, and ensuring we continue to provide access for people with disability to meaningful employment, fair wages, and the training they need to succeed in mainstream roles.”
Find out more about the Disability Enterprise Evolve Program here.