Marketplace

Marketplace for Community Groups and Not For Profits


Application process
Due to the overwhelming interest we have had from the community sector and the feedback received from the first Marketplace held in May, the format for registering for Marketplace has changed. An application process is now in place to ensure that we have an even representation of small and large organisations and representation across the sector.

The application process emphasises our commitment to the key outcome of Marketplace, creating innovative opportunities for cross sector partnerships. It also demonstrates Volunteering Queensland’s commitment to developing a professional event that results in meaningful, worthwhile and effective connections across sectors.

The application is quite simple and straight forward, but requires some strategic thinking and planning from the sector. You will need to provide the following as a part of the application process:

1. Your motivations for registering for Marketplace
2. An example of how you would like to work with a corporate organisation
3. An example of how you would like to work with an education provider
4. An example of how you could like to work with a community organisation

There are three primary criteria for the selection process:
1. Innovation and creativity
2. Ease of implementation and management
3. Matching potential across sectors

Fifteen groups who have been successful in their application will be notified by July 14th.

If you want to apply, click here. Please send completed forms to marketplace@volqld.org.au.

Preparing for Marketplace
A compulsory information session will be held on the 22nd or 23rd of July at Volunteering Queensland. A convenient time will be negotiated with the successful groups. If you are not able to have a representative attend this information session, your spot at Marketplace will be offered to another organisation.

The successful groups will be invited to set up an information stand at Marketplace, and have up to three representatives at the event. Each group should have a short two minute pitch to deliver to each small group of corporate, government and education representatives they meet and then allow for question and negotiation time. This pitch should propose ways of working together that emphasise the selection criteria above. If you have particular programs you would like to promote, it is recommended that you have these available as hand outs for each person. Please allow each person to collect this information themselves and do not provide ‘showbags’ or the like. A Marketplace bag will be provided to each participant at the registration desk so information can be conveniently carried during the process.

It is expected that the number of corporate, government and education participants will outweigh the community sector representation, so the speed-dating will not happen one to one, but in small groups. Each group will be given ten minutes at each community stand before the bell rings, and the group circulates.

What if we miss out?
Unfortunately it is likely that some applicants will not be successful during each round, however, it is envisaged that Marketplace will be held two or three times annually. The unsuccessful applicants will be invited to attend “Developing effective cross sector partnerships” aimed at providing participants with knowledge and skills around developing innovative, manageable and effective cross sector partnerships. Those who attend this training will have a clear advantage during the next Marketplace application process, and will also be able to pursue cross sector opportunities independently in an informed strategic and professional manner.

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