Many Rivers’ 9th Annual Monitoring and Evaluation Report conducted by Deloitte Access Economics is now available!
We are on a 10-year journey to understand and strengthen the economic and social value we create for individuals, their families and wider communities through annual evaluation reports.
Deloitte Access Economics reports the outcomes and impacts achieved each year by drawing on quantitative and qualitative data.
“Many Rivers is supporting clients and communities to move out of structural disadvantage via a journey of growing self-belief, accountability, networks and business acumen.” - Deloitte Access Economics
Our Clients
Many Rivers works with a diverse range of people that are traditionally underserviced. Our target cohort is people experiencing financial disadvantage, defined as either being dependent on welfare or having limited access to finance.
We engage with clients who will benefit the most from our support, with approximately 94% of Many Rivers’ new clients in FY21 meeting our target cohort.
Female business owners make up 55% of our Many Rivers supported businesses which significantly exceeds the industry average of 35%. Further, 35% of our clients are Indigenous. Many Rivers’ clients are increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse, with 13% having an ethnicity from outside Australia.
Many Rivers clients live and operate their businesses in diverse locations across Australia. In FY21, 68% of our clients were from regional or remote locations. 
Our Results
The Many Rivers Microenterprise Development (MED) program supports individuals to start, stay and thrive in business, providing intensive support to clients, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to start and sustain a small business.
We have 42 MEDMs living across Australia, providing support to more than 1500 operating businesses. FY21 was our biggest year to date, with 457 new business commencement with support from Many Rivers.
Initially, 38% of clients are largely independent of welfare before working with Many Rivers. Over five years of business operations, this significantly increased, with the largest increase during the first year of business operations. After five years of business operations, 71% of clients are largely independent of welfare.
Despite the typically disadvantaged backgrounds of Many Rivers’ clients, 50% of supported businesses are still operating after 3 years which is above the national average of 45%.
Our Impact
Our clients often look to us for help with record keeping, business planning and tips on how to manage their business finances.
In addition to providing access to financial support, clients highly valued the support and reliability of their business coaches. Through general guidance, mentoring and support, clients were provided with pastoral care and motivation. The constant presence and support offered by business coaches builds a relationship of trust between the client and Many Rivers. Clients build a sense of self-belief to overcome challenges.
See the impact of Many Rivers beyond the numbers.
Evaluation Summary
- Many Rivers continues to engage with clients who experience financial disadvantage, which often coincides with other forms of social-economic disadvantage.
- Many Rivers continues to work with an ever-growing number of clients.
- Many Rivers supported businesses generate increasing economic value (and improve clients’ financial situations).
- Client stories and MEDM consultations reveal that Many Rivers continues to have an impact on clients, through building confidence, aspiration and self – determination.
If you would like to stay updated with the latest Many Rivers news, make sure to follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn.
Read more . . .
