For an economy that puts people and planet first
Social Enterprise Australia is the national peak body for social enterprise.
We advocate for and connect the sector to unlock the impact of social enterprise.
A social enterprise is a business that puts people and planet first.
They trade like any other business but exist specifically to make the world a better place.
While they work across industries and have different legal structures, they all:
Exist to solve a social or environmental problem.
Put people, planet, and their purpose over profit in operational decisions.
Have a self-sustaining revenue model.
Reinvest most of any surplus towards their purpose.
Choose legal structures and financing that protect and lock in purpose long-term.
National strategy
Business as usual cannot solve the social and environmental challenges we face. We need more innovation and collaboration that puts people and the planet first.
Social enterprise is in a unique position to help. It uses the power of business to test and scale new ways to make the world a better place.
But many people don’t know what social enterprise is or how to get involved, and we need better systems for more social enterprises to reach their potential.
Changing this will grow Australia’s social enterprise sector and its impact.
Social Enterprise Australia leads a national strategy to do this.
How we work
Advocate
We advocate with and for the sector with a focus on national issues.
Connect
We connect the sector to plan, act and learn together.
Partner
We form partnerships that strengthen conditions to grow social impact.
Together we can drive change
Join Social Enterprise Australia
Our Members work together to unlock the impact of social enterprise, for an economy that puts people and planet first.
They help govern Social Enterprise Australia and take part in our shared work through input on national strategy.
Any Australian-based entity verified to meet the global standards can apply to be a Social Enterprise Member.
Any organisation or individual aged 18 or over who supports the purpose and values of social enterprise can apply to be an Associate Member.
Stay informed. Get involved.
Size and economic contribution of social enterprise in Australia
There are over 12,000
social enterprises in Australia.
They contribute $21.3 billion to the economy or 1% of GDP.
They employ over 200,000 people or one in 60 jobs in Australia.
Understorey
It is a place to navigate the Australian social enterprise sector and to learn and exchange. It does this to help social enterprises thrive and contribute to a better future.
Understorey is a digital commons: an online resource available to all, and shaped by all who choose to take part.
It brings together learning communities and resources as part of the Australian Government's Social Enterprise Development Initiative, and is coordinated by Social Enterprise Australia.
What’s happening at Social Enterprise Australia
