What we do
Queensland Social Enterprise Council (QSEC) represents, supports, and advocates for the interests of Queensland's social enterprise sector. Our efforts encompass advocacy, policy development, capacity building, and engagement with our members and the wider business community, with the aim to increase sector awareness and generate greater pathways and opportunities for purpose-led businesses.
Purpose.
To grow a sustainable, innovative and vibrant social enterprise sector in Queensland that delivers transformative and future-focused solutions for community.
Vision.
To see business for good at the forefront of business ideation and modelling.
Advocacy.
A trusted voice reflecting genuine sector representation.
Setor Development.
A robust framework to support metro, regional and remote social enterprises across Queensland to connect, collaborate and thrive.
Services.
A well-resourced value exhange to support social enterprises at all stages of maturity; a collaborative network that fosters connection and peer learning.
Our History.
QSEC acknowledges that the 'social enterprise' philosophy has been practised through Indigenous endeavours on this land for centuries. The principles of exchange to generate broader community value are primarily a first-nations wisdom from which we have much to learn. QSEC recognises the land on which we stand has never been ceded, and we respectfully work with Indigenous people across the state to learn and grow together.
Social enterprise was developed as a term in the late 70's and has been gaining momentum across the globe ever since. QSEC was the first representative peak body in Australia formed to assist social enterprise development. The group was established in 2012 and formed as an incorporated association in 2013 as the Queensland Social Enterprise Council (QSEC) to address the observed gaps in the sector's 'grassroots' representation. QSEC has been managed by a dedicated crew of volunteers, mostly social enterprise business operators and eco-system managers.
As the sector has matured, the Queensland Government has now acknowledged the contribution social enterprises make in delivering jobs and training for disadvantaged Queenslanders. Queensland's first state-wide Social Enterprise Strategy was released in 2019, alongside a $1M commitment to help develop the sector. Part of the funds were directed toward QSEC to fund an executive officer and support staff to help manage the membership and direct efforts to build the regional development of social enterprise. The Queensland Government released Australia's first $8m Social Enterprise Jobs Fund in 2020, which concludes in 2023.