Hunter Adults Financial Collaborative Incorporated

Hunter Adults Financial Collaborative Incorporated is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting financially disadvantaged adults in the Hunter region of New South Wales, including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Lower Hunter. The organisation focuses on empowering individuals who face barriers to employment by offering tailored assistance to help them find work, start their own micro-businesses, or develop existing enterprises. By addressing both practical and financial challenges, Hunter Adults Financial Collaborative Incorporated aims to foster self-sufficiency and long-term economic participation among some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Hunter Adults Financial Collaborative Incorporated is to provide personalised practical and financial help to set people in need on the path to self-sufficiency through employment. Its vision is to become a specialist provider of employment and business start-up support in the Hunter region, delivering services that are uniquely tailored to the individual needs and aspirations of disadvantaged adults.

Main Objectives

• To assist unemployed and under-employed adults in achieving financial independence through sustainable employment or self-employment.
• To deliver education, training, and mentoring that builds practical skills and confidence for entering the workforce or starting a business.
• To provide targeted funding or micro-loans to help participants overcome financial barriers to employment or entrepreneurship.
• To connect participants with positive role models and industry mentors who can guide them towards achieving their career and business goals.

Benefiting Groups

Hunter Adults Financial Collaborative Incorporated primarily serves adults in the Hunter region who are unemployed, under-employed, refugees, migrants, or otherwise financially disadvantaged. Eligibility for their programs generally requires that participants are residents of the Hunter region, aged 18 or over, and facing significant barriers to employment. The organisation has a particular focus on supporting women, refugees, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, recognising the additional challenges these groups often face in accessing economic opportunities.

Types of Services and Activities

• Business start-up support: Assistance with developing business ideas, creating business plans, obtaining an Australian Business Number (ABN) and Tax File Number (TFN), and navigating regulatory requirements.
• Mentoring and coaching: One-on-one guidance from skilled industry mentors to help participants build their businesses, improve their employability, and develop career pathways.
• Education and training: Workshops and courses on resume writing, interview skills, marketing, social media, and other essential competencies for employment and entrepreneurship.
• Micro-loans and funding: Targeted financial support to help cover start-up costs, purchase equipment, or meet other business needs.
• Employment assistance: Support with job searches, resume preparation, interview practice, and connecting participants with potential employers.
• Community partnerships: Collaboration with local businesses, community groups, and sponsors to expand opportunities and resources for participants.

Through these services, Hunter Adults Financial Collaborative Incorporated not only helps individuals achieve personal and financial growth but also strengthens the broader Hunter community by fostering inclusive economic participation and social cohesion.