SNCF to launch grant framework for social entrepreneurs

SINGAPORE: To facilitate the growth of co—operatives, the Singapore National Co—operative Federation (SNCF) will launch a comprehensive grant framework that gives budding social entrepreneurs the support they need to set up new co—operatives to deal with social needs that have yet to be met.

Existing co—operatives will also be able to use the grant to improve productivity, expand their services, and for staff development.

This was announced by SNCF Chairman Chan Tee Seng at an awards ceremony on Saturday to recognise 22 co—operatives, co—operators and supporters for their contributions toward improving the welfare of Singaporeans.

The awards commend those who have helped grow the Singapore Co—operative Movement, which includes areas such as thrift and loan, aged care, childcare, employment, and insurance.

Former Singapore President SR Nathan, as well as Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC and NTUC FairPrice Chief Executive Officer Seah Kian Peng and immediate past Secretary—General of NTUC and current Singapore Labour Foundation Deputy Chairman Lim Boon Heng, were among those recognised as co—op champions for the support they have rendered to the co—operative movement.

Guest of honour, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Lim Swee Say praised the role of co—operatives here, calling them both competent and competitive.

"Here at home, our co—operatives and social enterprises are doing your best as active citizens. It’s in your DNA to do good —— passion to help others to live a better life. It’s in your DNA to do well —— competent and competitive, to be financially viable. How can we help others, if we’re not able to help ourselves? Most of all, it’s in your DNA to do more, and to do more together," he said.

Mr Lim urged individual co—operatives here to work as a network, and in partnership with other like—minded enterprises so as to meet the ever—increasing needs of the community.

As a way to encourage co—operatives to come together, the SNCF also plans to facilitate and co—pay a shared services platform that will allow these co—operatives to collaborate and develop shared services in the areas of IT, marketing, book—keeping and accounting.

—CNA/ac