A husband and wife team from Darling Downs, Adam and Susy Wenitong, are part of a group of 12 local entrepreneurs taking to CQUniveristy's iActivate course to create social change in the area.

The Wenitongs, experienced in working with youth and creating socially responsible businesses, are expanding their skills to benefit the future of Toowoomba's younger generation.

iActivate Accelerator Program is a 13 week, self-paced, ultra-flexible and affordable online short course, to guide aspiring and early-stage social entrepreneurs from idea to impact.

In 2014 Mr Wenitong founded a mentoring organisation called Young Bruthas, which he has since expanded in reach and services.

Last year he changed the name to Adapt Mentorship and Consultancy as he recognised that the social enterprise framework aligns well with his mission.

"As an Indigenous business founder, when I was out and about talking to people about the business they would say what I did sounded like a social enterprise," he said.

"We then attended the Social Enterprise World Forum in Brisbane last year, and realised, 'yep we are definitely a social enterprise!'.

"Everything we do goes directly into creating a better future and communities, we invest back into follow up and future programs to make sure our social purpose is being met."

Mrs Wenitong, who also joined the iActivate program, is experienced in social enterprise.

In 2016, she co-created the social enterprise and training cafe '2nd Shot', for Base Services in Toowoomba. Following this, she worked as the coordinator of Protea Place, a women's center, until December of last year.

Today, they together offer youth mentoring, crime prevention program design and delivery, and community consultancy, through their Adapt enterprise.

"Since starting the course we have learnt how to do it all way better," Mr Wenitong said.

"The measuring impact sessions have been super valuable, and Steve Williams (Program Manager) has an extensive array of brilliant info, so we have had a few lightbulb moments just from listening to some of his past projects and experiences."

Adam notes connecting with other social entrepreneurs had been a useful experience, and he and Susy are excited to design and grow Adapt's impact.

"We want all Indigenous youth in our community to feel like they're an integral and valued part of the social fabric, and that their dreams and goals can be achieved, through self-belief and constant support," he said.

"As we're learning, we're seeing new ways that Adapt will develop leaders to be part of the action for change too."

On Thursday, May 18, 2023, the iActivate cohort in Darling Downs will graduate after 13 weeks of designing and developing their for-purpose business ideas.

The graduation ceremony and showcase event are open to the public, free to attend and offer an opportunity for attendees to meet and hear from the inspiring participants.