Social enterprise The Cookie Project said it has raised over $27,000 from its first public crowdfunding campaign to help accelerate its next phase of growth in providing employment pathways for Kiwis with disabilities.

The capital will be put towards new equipment such as mixers and other baking accessories, and operating costs such as production overheads, product packaging, backend systems upgrades and marketing resources.

“We never expected to receive so much demand from retailers and consumers from all over the country,” said co-founder Graeme Haddon.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our crowdfunding campaign so we can increase efficiency in our kitchen and create more employment opportunities for Kiwis with disabilities,” Haddon said.

Founded in June 2018, The Cookie Project aims to break down social stigmas and demonstrate the value of people with disabilities to themselves and society.

It only employs bakers with disabilities, and thus far has provided over 700 hours of paid employment. All bakers are paid at least the national minimum wage of $17.70 per hour.

Currently available in six New World stores in Auckland, The Cookie Project products are set to launch across all 26 Trade Aid stores, as well as at Pic’s Peanut Butter World in Nelson this month.

The social enterprise is also a certified supplier on New Zealand’s first and only social procurement platform, fwd.

The Cookie Project said this milestone also marks the establishment of The Cookie Project’s advisory board, featuring fellow social entrepreneur and Eat My Lunch founder Lisa King, CEO of Disability Connect Mike Potter, New World Metro Queen Street owner Steven Yin and businessman Rob Campbell.

“We’re excited to welcome these purpose-driven industry leaders to our advisory board to ensure this remains a reality,” said co-founder Eric Chuah.