How This Specialist Course Helped Bizlink Centre Structure a Project Under Digital for Life Fund

Joining the social service sector wasn’t exactly part of Jo Andrea JOSON’s (also known as Jo) plan.

She only stepped into Bizlink Centre because an ex-colleague spotted her fit for an operational role.

Bizlink Centre is an organisation that champions inclusive employment. It focuses on enabling individuals to access skills development, job placement, and gainful employment through tailored vocational training programmes and supported employment services.

Despite not knowing how to work or manage persons with disabilities (PwDs) initially, this is Jo’s 11th year with the company.

Her motivation comes from the beneficiaries she works with.

“I am constantly surrounded by individuals who prove every day that ability is not defined by limitation but by the courage to keep going,” she mused. “Watching them grow—whether it's mastering a new skill, completing a project, or simply gaining confidence in their abilities—reminds me why our work matters.”

Yet, Jo admitted, working in social enterprise isn’t easy. Support from the government, community organisations and commercial companies is crucial.

“Without this whole eco-system of support, it will be tough to survive,” Jo admitted, highlighting that it’s very common for people working in this industry to consider leaving.

She continued, “Our role comes with obstacles not only because we are working with PwDs but also because we are running as a social enterprise. Looking for work and projects that companies can outsource to us is very challenging.”

ADAPTING IN A DIGITAL WORLD

One of Bizlink Centre’s biggest hurdles today is keeping pace with automation and digitalisation.

This technological shift poses a direct threat to many traditionally outsourced projects, such as data entry, invoice matching, and customer support-based roles. It impacts the 37 beneficiaries that Bizlink’s Data Management Centre currently supports — all of whom rely on meaningful work not just for income but also for purposeful engagement.

“We are actively exploring upskilling our beneficiaries with additional skill sets that complement or go beyond their current roles,” Jo addressed. This includes increasing their digital literacy to help adapt to evolving job requirements and remain relevant in a tech-driven environment.

To achieve this, Bizlink Centre set its sights on Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)’s national Digital for Life (DfL) funding. The DfL fund supports community projects promoting digital inclusion and help Singaporeans enrich lives through digital technology.

A WINNING STRATEGY

With the goal of securing the DfL fund, Jo enrolled in RESSEC’s Specialist Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship (SDSE).

“SDSE could be instrumental in strengthening our efforts to secure grant funding by enhancing our ability to craft compelling and impact-driven proposals,” Jo explained. This was especially important as it was Bizlink Centre’s first time applying for the grant.

For Jo, one of the most important lessons was from SDSE’s Financial and Cost Management module, which focuses on how to effectively cost in for projects and grants.

“I am very bad with numbers,” she confessed. “In the beginning, it was difficult for me to grasp the lessons and theories.”

As she worked on Bizlink Centre’s grant proposal, Jo realised her initial costing approach did not add up. The new principles challenged how she had always handled project budgeting, forcing her to rethink her calculations multiple times.

“I had to relook into it again and again,” she shared. “Despite the initial difficulty, I persevered and applied the knowledge to a real-world challenge, and that effort paid off.”

By presenting clear and well-structured data, Bizlink Centre was able to secure the DfL fund. Many of the questions raised during the grant presentation — such as justifying overhead costs or identifying the target audience — also surfaced during her time at SDSE. Having already worked through them in class, Jo was able to address the questions effectively and clinch the funding.

FOR PURPOSE AND IMPACT

As an SDSE graduate, Jo is impressed by how insightful and relevant the course is.

“The classes gave me a fresh perspective on how social enterprises should be operated, balancing impact and sustainability,” she reminisced. “One of the best parts was meeting others who share the same passion. It was great to build connections and find ways to support each other.”

Jo would recommend SDSE even for non-social entrepreneurs.

“The course equips you with practical tools and a mindset that can be applied in any role where purpose and impact matter,” she concluded.

“It will help you find that niche where you can learn, contribute and find meaning in the work that you do.”