Message from the Chair It is with great pride that I reflect on the incredible progress ACRE has made over the past year. After more than a decade of unwavering commitment, we are now witnessing a significant shift in the awareness and understanding of social enterprise and entrepreneurship as a powerful tool for unlocking opportunity and social change. This shift underscores the vital contribution ACRE continues to make developing the social infrastructure across rural and remote Australia for communities to lead their own rejuvenation. In 2024, we achieved significant growth, taking our revenue to over $2.4 million. This growth not only reflects the increasing demand for our programs but also our ability to deliver meaningful impact across Australia. As we look ahead, we remain committed to scaling our operations to reach more communities and extend our influence nationally. A highlight of our efforts continues to be the Social Enterprise Schools program, which has now empowered over 70,000 young learners. This program continues to be a beacon of inspiration, equipping students with the entrepreneurial skills and confidence to create lasting change within their communities, experiencing the transformational opportunity to trade. Seeing the program thrive reinforces our belief that entrepreneurial education is a cornerstone of rural rejuvenation. Beyond our work in schools, ACRE has made a tangible impact in over 45 communities across Australia this year. Through a diverse range of learning and development programs, we have helped individuals and organisations build foundational knowledge of social enterprise, develop and accelerate new business ventures, and explore models for community asset ownership. These programs are instrumental in creating sustainable, locallydriven economic development opportunities that benefit rural Australians. Our progress would not be possible without the generosity and vision of our philanthropic partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to the AMP Foundation and the Paul Ramsay Foundation for their steadfast support over the longer term, enabling us to build capacity, innovate, and extend our reach to those who need it most. Likewise, we are profoundly grateful to the many individuals, organisations, community groups, schools, advisors, and consultants who have contributed to our journey. Your support fuels our mission and strengthens the impact we can achieve together. On behalf of the Board I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Matt Pfahlert the CEO of ACRE, and the entire ACRE team for their passion and drive in furthering the understanding of social enterprise and entrepreneurship in rural and remote communities, with the ultimate objective of creating thriving regional and rural communities. As we move forward, we do so with a solid foundation and a clear vision for the future. We are poised to expand our operations further, deepen our partnerships, and drive a truly national impact. The journey ahead is filled with opportunity, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that rural communities across Australia have the tools, knowledge, and support to thrive. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we will continue to unlock the potential of social enterprise and build a thriving rural Australia. Sincerely, Lachlan Baird Chair - ACRE ANNUAL REPORT 2024 3
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