ACRE
The Australian Centre of Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) is a social enterprise with a BIG mission. They want a positive, vibrant future for rural and regional Australia. They believe in lighting a spark for young people to think creatively, to be entrepreneurial, to be innovative and to be supported by their community.
Established in 2013, ACRE has a deep commitment to and proven track record of delivering activities and programs that raise aspirations and inspire entrepreneurship in communities.
ACRE offers guided learning and development programs, community brokerage services, advice and support to build entrepreneurial skills in individuals, organisations, government and community. They educate around the emerging model of Social Enterprise as a means of re-generating rural communities in Australia.
Global Rural Social Enterprise Manifesto
On the 23rd of October 2024, the Global Manifesto for Rural Social Enterprise – Unlocking the Power of Rural Social Enterprise was launched at the SEWF Policy Forum.
It highlights 11 ways in which policymakers can accelerate sustainable and enterprising communities. Over 100 organisations from more than 35 countries contributed to the production of the Manifesto. The process has been stewarded by the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) and the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE).
ACRE CEO Matt Pfahlert and Executive Director of Services Mary-Anne Scully have been on this journey since the Manifesto’s inception in rural Australia in 2022 and its further development at the SEWF World Forum in Amsterdam in 2023. Mary-Anne was part of a distinguished lineup of speakers and policymakers who officially launched the global Manifesto, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to empower rural communities worldwide.