Australia’s first social enterprise bakery The Bread & Butter Project has launched an end of financial year appeal to help support the traineeships for five refugees in 2026.

The bakery has noted the need for refugee services far outstrips funding as demand for for its program continues to grow.

A fundraising target of $85,000 has been set.

The Bread & Butter Project’s founder and co-chair Paul Allam said the organisation’s end of year appeal comes as the business attempts to navigate the challenging economic environment affecting many food services and hospitality businesses, where rising fuel and supply chain costs are a major factor.

“We have always been supported by a range of incredibly generous funding partners, however, like many social enterprises, we have found the last year or so to be very difficult – both commercially and philanthropically,” he said.

“To ensure out continued stability and viability, we have needed to streamline our operations and training program to create greater financial and operational efficiency.

“That said, we really want to get back to training and supporting more than 20 refugees a year, which is why we’re now aiming to secure funding that will allow us to offer more traineeships to refugees in need.”

The Bread & Butter Project has grown its program from two trainees per year to a record 26 trainees in 2024. Many of the 120 refugees who have been successfully trained by the program since 2013 have escaped an environment of political upheaval and conflict in their respective homelands. Their journey often sees them leave behind family, friends, and their careers for a new country and safer life, however, in the process many of them face language barriers, social isolation, and poverty as they seek employment in Australia.

The Bread & Butter Project plays a vital role in helping refugees establish a new life through a paid traineeship and English language tutoring. The social enterprise also helps graduates find employment in Australia’s food services and hospitality industries.

At the time of writing more than $9000 had already been raised. Donations and further information can be found here.