Business community partnerships
The Department of Planning and Community Development sees a growing potential for businesses and community groups to investigate areas where they share common interests so they can develop innovative ways of working together to support their communities.
Business and community groups often share interests and goals and can make good partners to achieve social objectives that benefit the wider community.
A business community partnership involves community and business groups agreeing to work co-operatively on a project or over a period of time. Sharing both responsibilities and rewards, the partners work together to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes which enhance the wider community.
This type of business-community relationship is distinct because it is not based solely on donations or charity. Instead, it makes the most of synergies between partnered organisations and usually involves multiple forms of contribution from both parties. As a result, each group increases its capacity to deliver benefits to the community.
Business can play a crucial role in tackling disadvantage in local communities and make a real difference in the lives of disadvantaged Victorians, particularly by partnering with government and community groups to work in the areas of most need.
By working collaboratively on common goals, partnerships allow business and community groups to maximise the available resources and deliver benefits for both parties and the community.
 | The business case for a partnership The top reasons international companies gave for becoming involved in business community partnerships: 1 Committing to company’s own values, principles, policies and traditions 2 Protecting corporate reputation and brand 3 Meeting project financing, investor and other funding requirements 4 Investing in a sound and secure operating environment 5 Entering into untapped or underdeveloped markets World Economic Forum, “Key Survey Findings” in Partnering for Success: Business Perspectives on Multi-stakeholder Partnerships, 2005 |
Role of the Department of Planning and Community Development
Business community partnerships can be a very beneficial and resourceful way to secure community benefits, such as mentoring, employment opportunities, skills sharing and volunteerism.
The Department of Planning and Community Development raises awareness about business-community partnerships and provides information about how they can contribute to stronger and more connected communities.
To facilitate the development of new and original partnerships, the Department of Planning and Community Development is creating a dialogue between businesses and community organisations so they can better understand each others’ needs. The Department is also promoting a clearer picture of how partnerships work so that more groups will understand how they can benefit from business community partnerships.
Department of Planning and Community Development initiatives
Conducting business and government roundtable discussions
Encouraging more business participation in community activities by conducting business and government roundtable discussions to better understand business needs and inform businesses about social policy issues.
Melbourne CARES
Supporting the development of Melbourne CARES by becoming a founding member, to encourage corporate volunteering and the development of services to assist the formation of business community partnerships.
Recognising business involvement in the community
Developing ways to acknowledge and thank businesses involved in their communities, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
Web Site Updates
DPCD's websites are progressively being updated to reflect the changes following the establishment of the
department. This means you will continue to see some references to the Department for Victorian Communities
(DVC) as changes are being made.
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