Social Enterprise News

Social Traders released the Pace 2023 report that showcases the incredible economic and impact contributions of certified social enterprises – helping you keep pace with the latest insights and emerging trends.

With 37 data points from 518 certified social enterprises, over the span of six years, the report is the richest and longest data collection in Australia to date. They are pleased to say since 2022, certified social enterprises are growing and delivering impact in spades.

Key Highlights

• 31K people have been employed by certified social enterprises
• 45% of people employed would usually be shut out of work
• $2.25B total revenue achieved
• $1.74B of total revenue coming from trade activity
• 31% ($690M) of total revenue is reinvested into delivering impact

Download the report here.

The ambitious and emerging talent behind Brisbane’s world-class innovation, visionary ventures and purpose-driven businesses, are set to be recognised at this year’s Lord Mayor’s Business Awards.

From business icons to emerging next-gen talent, the finalists for the awards, now in their 18th year, celebrate the diversity of businesses harnessing a new wave of skills and expertise in Queensland’s capital.

Years of unprecedented economic challenges have also spurred a new category in 2023, with the Business Transformation Award honouring organisations that have overcome changing conditions and challenging setbacks by reimagining their business and operations.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the awards celebrated the unwavering pursuit of innovation, creativity and social impact by the Brisbane business community.

“Whether they are Brisbane institutions or emerging entrepreneurs, this year’s finalists are having a profound impact on our city and around the world,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing capital city and the energy, passion and innovation of our local businesses has played a key role in this growth. Council is steadfast in our commitment to providing opportunities to foster success.

“Emerging industries like sustainability and robotics are experiencing a wave of new skills and talent here in Brisbane, while our incredibly successful business leaders and trailblazers are continuing to further innovate and find new opportunities.

Read more here.

CQUniversity social impact experts are working with a new Hinkler community initiative to meet social needs and aspirations across the region. 

The Social Shift, funded by the Department of Social Services Local Services Plans - Community-Led Support Fund, is a place-based community development opportunity led by the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC).

The initiative is seeking partnerships to help provide immediate support for the social needs and aspirations of Hinkler communities, across Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, and surrounds. 

Social Innovation Manager Steve Williams and Associate Professor Sustainable Innovation Olav Muurlink will lead workshops in Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, for grant recipients, and people and organisations interested in partnering with the project. 

Learn more here.

The One Business program is designed to create more pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) people to have increased participation in Queensland’s economy. It’s an opportunity for you to work with experienced Indigenous trainers and other businesses from your wider community, to consolidate your business skills, network and explore new opportunities for innovation and business change. The One Business program is available to all Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders who are innovators, entrepreneurs and/or own a micro to small and medium-sized business.

Learn more.

This week, the Queensland Small Business Commissioner's office released the Queensland Small Business Outlook – Beyond the pandemic report.

The report provides key data, facts, and insights relevant to Queensland small businesses.

Released in September 2023, the report can be used by small businesses to inform decision-making and aims to raise public awareness about small business challenges.

Find the report here.

GIINsight has released a research paper on Emerging Trends in Impact Investing. 

The summary of market insights is as follows:

1. Impact investors perceive significant industry evolution, though challenges remain in managing impact and navigating regulatory developments 

2. Investors plan to allocate capital toward emerging markets in the future, despite the recent focus on developed markets 

3. Impact investors are pursuing climate solutions across their portfolios

Read more here.

In this world where opportunities are endless and the expectations on entrepreneurs only continue to increase, it can be easy for founders to get lost in the chaos.

Enter: The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) Institute for Resilient Regions' WiRE (Women in Rural, Regional and Remote Enterprises) Program – a capability-building program and a support network for regional, rural and remote women to excel in business, build connections, and learn how to market themselves and their business to the world.

Darling Downs business owner Liz Couchman joined the WiRE Program in 2023 after purchasing her child sensory play business, Clever Bugs.

"I decided to participate in the WiRE Program because I felt isolated and alone working from home on my rural property; I had no one to 'talk shop' with," Mrs Couchman said.

"It was great to connect with other inspiring women. I not only learnt so much from the knowledge sessions and from the other members, but I also found skills and talents that I wanted to use for new business ideas" she said.

"Connecting with other like-minded people on the same path gave me momentum and a sense of belonging that is sometimes lacking in the small business world – especially working rurally or remotely."

Social Enterprise Australia is collaborating with SXSW Sydney to offer 500 free Industry Badges. This opportunity aims to bring together people working in the social enterprise, cultural and creative sectors - across Tech and Innovation, Screen, Music and Games. 

The badges grant full access to the SXSW Sydney Conference and a host of events and activities tailored to your industry of choice.

Attend SXSW Sydney 2023 to access world-class content, connect with thousands of purpose-driven people and engage in deep collaboration with sector actors.

Register here.

The Pause Awards are an annual programme that recognises and celebrates the most ambitious and effective companies and individuals in Australia. 

The Pause Awards, over the years, have become the home for champions for Australia’s golden circle of business, connecting ambitious entrepreneurs with powerful mentors and clients. Names like MrYum, Verve Super, Quad Lock, Linktree, Airwallex, and Heaps Normal have all benefited from our awards platform.

Pause Awards are highly competitive and honours under five key Category Tracks: Growth, Excellence, Operators, Good and Culture. 

Learn more here!

Civik, a new social enterprise incubated by White Box Enterprises, has officially launched in Cairns with a bold goal to create 250 jobs for people who face barriers to employment, all while addressing the labour shortages facing the telecommunications industry.

The people-centred organisation will train and employ individuals who face barriers to work in regional Australia, giving them the skills and confidence to pursue careers in construction, engineering and telecommunications.

Read more here.