Who we are

Community Owned Enterprises is a Cairns-based not-for-profit organisation, supporting people living in regional and remote communities towards economic self-determination. We provide grassroots support for start-ups, offer local business support services and facilitate community projects.

Our business supports help to grow successful businesses in remote communities and progress local priorities. Whether that be hands-on support; where we undertake all business tasks, hand-in-hand support; in which we tailor a package to assist you with some aspects, or hands-off support; where we offer systems, training and mentoring guidance to allow you to run your business independently.

Our goal is to enable locally-led enterprises that grow sustainable economic and community benefits. We draw on our experience and relationships to support regional and remote communities to build better economic futures for themselves, their families and future generations.

COE works closely with founding organisation Enterprise Management Group and is funded by both government and private investors. Revenue is re-invested back into communities to see communities own place-based enterprises, leading to sustainable economic prosperity in Australia’s most remote regions.