Youth-driven start-up, InspiredBUY, has launched KIK Chocolate – a range of handmade, luxe chocolates purposefully created by disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.
All proceeds from the sales of the decadent chocolate will support Adelaide youth who have experienced homelessness, family violence, mental illness and social exclusion.
InspiredBUY Chief Executive Officer Louise Nobes said the chocolates will retail for $2.50. It takes the sale of just 200 chocolates each week to exit a young person from poverty.
Utilising specially-fitted digital technology, customers will be able to track their impact and see how the funds from the purchase of their chocolate are changing the lives of young people across Adelaide in real time.
The launch of KIK Chocolate comes just 12 months after Ms Nobes and the team at InspiredBUY launched the organisation’s first commercial business, KIK Coffee, along with the specialised youth training and employment program, DreamBIG.
Like KIK Coffee which posted a $12,000 profit within the first three months of operation, all proceeds from KIK Chocolate will be reinvested in to the social enterprise and go towards funding further education and entrepreneur-based opportunities for Adelaide’s youth.
It is projected that over the next 18 months the KIK brand will create 70 new jobs for young people across South Australia, like 24-year-old Michael Evans. Mr Evans, who had experience in business before falling on hard times, is a newcomer to the DreamBIG program and is already creating real change. Throughout his study, Mr
Evans developed the business model for KIK Chocolate and with support of Ms Nobes and the team at InspiredBUY, oversaw the implementation and launch of the organisation’s newest offering.
Mr Evans said it takes four to five hours to prepare and produce 200 chocolates. Retailing for $2.50 each, he hopes the inspiring message behind the handmade sweets resonates, not only with Adelaide’s chocolate lovers, but also the national market.
“With this business model there is no reason why we have to be limited to South Australia. Why not expand to regional areas and interstate?” Mr Evans said. Mr Evans’ passion and enthusiasm has been echoed by businesses across the city who have volunteered to sell boxes of the chocolate on behalf of InspiredBUY. “In our drive to create positive community change for young people we have set out to achieve social enterprises with a ‘difference’,” Ms Nobes said.
“I founded InspiredBUY with the core belief that all young people, no matter their life experiences can achieve greatness. The chocolate is the first arm of the new division. I am excited to see what these kids are capable of and what they come up with.”
To track the impact of your KIK Chocolate purchase visit www.inspiredbuy.com.au/trackyourimpact
If you are a business and would like to have KIK chocolate in your office, shop, store or staff room email: [email protected]. Visit KIK Coffee at 9 Light Square, Adelaide or Tea Tree Plus Shopping Centre, 1020 North East Road, Modbury.
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