Australia is experiencing a notable surge in the growth and impact of social enterprises. With approximately 12,000 social enterprises operating across various industries, these organisations are pivotal in shaping a diverse and inclusive economy. They not only provide vital employment opportunities and services to disadvantaged Australians but also contribute significantly to economic diversity.
As the social enterprise sector continues to grow, establishing sustainable support systems becomes increasingly crucial. The emergence of several state-based councils and networks across the country underscores the growing momentum for social enterprise initiatives.
These councils and networks support the establishment of foundational systems for social enterprise. Reflecting a shared commitment to social impact and community wellbeing, they contribute to the broader goal of achieving a diverse and inclusive economy.
Social Enterprise Council for NSW and ACT (SECNA)
SECNA was established in 2020, driven by the passion and determination of its members to build a strong community and advocate for the social enterprise sector. As the peak body for social enterprises in the region, SECNA represents businesses dedicated to creating positive social, environmental, or cultural impacts. These enterprises operate like conventional businesses but with the primary goal of contributing positively to society.
SECNA plays a crucial role in connecting and engaging the social enterprise sector across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. It serves as a collective voice, advocating for policy changes and securing vital investments to support the sector's growth and sustainability. By fostering collaboration among social entrepreneurs and enterprises, SECNA aims to strengthen the community and amplify its impact.
The organisation is committed to sustaining and expanding its influence, ensuring that social enterprises can thrive and continue to make meaningful contributions to society. Through its efforts, SECNA strives to create a supportive environment where social enterprises can achieve their mission of making the world a better place.
Website: www.secna.org.au
Contact: hello@secna.org.au
Social Enterprise Network Victoria (SENVIC)
SENVIC is a vibrant community comprising over 300 social enterprises and more than 750 individuals who are either directly involved in social enterprises or serve as supporters and enablers. SENVIC's mission is to cultivate a well-connected community of social enterprises throughout Victoria, providing access to learning and development opportunities while amplifying the voice and influence of social enterprises across the region.
SENVIC shares its members’ commitment to achieving a just, inclusive, and sustainable society, recognising social enterprise as a pivotal means to attaining this vision. By championing the creation of dedicated spaces for social enterprises, SENVIC enables these organisations to connect, grow, and significantly impact the world around them.
The network acknowledges that everyone has a role to play in crafting a better future and is dedicated to empowering social enterprises to take on this challenge. Through its efforts, SENVIC strives to foster an environment where social enterprises can thrive, ultimately contributing to the broader societal goals of equity and sustainability.
Website: www.senvic.org.au
Contact: hello@senvic.org.au
South Australian Social Enterprise Council (SASEC)
SASEC serves as an independent, non-political peak body dedicated to representing the interests of social enterprises throughout South Australia. Its mission is to support and cultivate a thriving social enterprise sector in the region. SASEC achieves this by providing a strong voice and platform for social enterprises, fostering relationships with government entities and sector stakeholders to drive improved social outcomes, and influencing policy and systemic change.
SASEC is committed to promoting the sector's value and values, shaping relevant policy agendas, and enhancing collaboration among social enterprises. By advocating for improved investment strategies, the council assists in building sustainable futures for these enterprises. Additionally, SASEC acts as a catalyst, encouraging partnerships between social enterprises, government, businesses, and the broader South Australian community.
Website: www.sasec.org.au
Contact: hellosasec@gmail.com
Western Australia Social Enterprise Council (WASEC)
WASEC serves as the peak body for social enterprises in Western Australia, championing the development of a robust social enterprise sector in the region. WASEC's mission focuses on fostering a thriving environment for social enterprises, aiming to contribute to a just, inclusive, and sustainable society where every business generates a positive social, cultural, or environmental impact.
As an independent, practitioner-led network, WASEC is dedicated to representing and responding to the needs of the Western Australian social enterprise community. The council strives to enhance the influence and impact of social enterprises across the state, acting as a powerful advocate for the sector's needs, benefits, and opportunities.
By amplifying the voice of social enterprises, WASEC works to elevate their role in society, ensuring they are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the community. Through its efforts, WASEC seeks to create a supportive ecosystem where social enterprises can prosper and drive significant change throughout Western Australia.
Website: www.wasec.org.au
Contact: hello@wasec.org.au
Queensland Social Enterprise Council (QSEC)
QSEC is dedicated to fostering a dynamic, innovative, and proficient social enterprise sector that is well-resourced and supported to achieve substantial social, cultural, and environmental impact. As an incorporated association, QSEC represents both ordinary and associate members and is guided by a democratically elected management committee.
QSEC's mission is to elevate the profile and effectiveness of social enterprises across Queensland. This is achieved through several key initiatives: promoting the value and impact of social enterprises, facilitating discussions among these enterprises, and conducting in-depth research into their operations and contributions. Furthermore, QSEC actively publishes materials and engages in public speaking to raise awareness.
The council also encourages the development of supportive mechanisms such as social procurement and funding opportunities specifically tailored for social enterprises. Advocacy is a significant component of QSEC's work, as it engages with governments, the private sector, and charitable organisations to propel the growth of social enterprises. Additionally, QSEC liaises with like-minded organisations to further the development and recognition of the social enterprise sector, ensuring a collaborative approach to achieving its goals.
Website: www.qsec.org.au
Contact: hello@qsec.org.au
Impact North
Impact North serves as the social enterprise network for Northern Australia, fostering a vibrant community of innovators focused on creating social, environmental, and cultural impact through their ventures. Dedicated to building a collaborative peer network, Impact North motivates and supports entrepreneurs across the region, connecting purpose-driven leaders to amplify and activate the social enterprise sector.
Recognising the significant intersection of Indigenous business with social enterprise, Impact North is committed to listening and learning in partnership with Indigenous communities. The organisation facilitates connections among passionate leaders, hosting online events, sharing valuable resources, and organising support circles. These activities provide members with the latest opportunities in the sector, enabling them to strengthen their impact.
Impact North values the power of individual voices in driving change and actively listens to the needs of its community. By creating spaces for knowledge sharing and advocacy, Impact North empowers social entrepreneurs to champion a future where their contributions are recognised and supported. Comprising entrepreneurs, purpose-led individuals, organisations, and not-for-profits, Impact North is a committed community working towards positive change throughout Northern Australia.
Website: www.impactnorth.org.au
Contact: hello@impactnorth.org.au
Social Enterprise Network Tasmania (SENTAS)
SENTAS stands as the peak body dedicated to supporting and advocating for social enterprises across Tasmania. As an emerging leader in the sector, SENTAS operates on the principles of cooperation and collaboration, striving to unify and amplify the voice of Tasmania's social enterprises. The organisation is committed to working both for and with the sector, ensuring a strong, united front in representing its interests.
SENTAS envisions a future where thriving social enterprise communities are the norm, achieved through its strategic focus on sector leadership, robust advocacy, and the provision of networking and learning opportunities. By fostering a supportive environment, SENTAS aims to catalyse the growth and impact of social enterprises, promoting a landscape where innovation and social change go hand in hand. Through its efforts, SENTAS is dedicated to empowering social entrepreneurs and organisations, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed and make substantial contributions to society.
Website: www.sentas.org.au
Contact: mail@sentas.org.au
