For social enterprises and entrepreneurs.
Explore useful resources and the benefits of becoming a SECNA member.
The benefits of being a SECNA member.
We’re a member-led organisation, built by and for social enterprises.
Membership connects you to a supportive community of peers, practical opportunities, and a collective voice advocating for a stronger social enterprise sector.
As a member, you can:
Connect with other social enterprises and entrepreneurs across NSW and the ACT
Access member-only events, opportunities, and resources
Contribute to policy advocacy and sector-wide initiatives
Be part of shaping the future of social enterprise through a trusted peak body
Strategic support and advisory services.
SECNA provides practical support to help social enterprises strengthen their governance, strategy, and impact.
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Expert mentoring and strategic advice
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Strategic planning facilitation
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Governance reviews
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Experienced speakers & facilitators for events
Get involved.
There are many ways to engage with SECNA — hands-on participation, online and offline events, learning opportunities, and leadership roles within the sector.
In-person networking events (host or join)
SECNA runs a range of in-person, peer-led gatherings that bring social enterprises and supporters together to connect, share insights, and collaborate on real challenges.
Typically in the form of Business for Good lunches, but also as brekkies, morning or afternoon teas, and evening events, we love creating a welcoming space for conversation, learning, and problem-solving — where people share ideas, offer support, and respond to each other’s “asks” and “offers”, from marketing help to supplier connections and partnerships. Across NSW and the ACT, these lunches have sparked meaningful relationships and unexpected solutions.
You can join a lunch to learn, connect, and be part of the conversation — or host a lunch to champion social enterprise in your local community.
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As a host, you'll bring together social enterprises and supporters, facilitate enlightening conversations, and watch magic unfold as attendees share their "asks" and “offers”.
Hosts that can commit to running quarterly lunches, particularly in regional areas where lunches don’t regularly occur, may also be invited to become SECNA Social Enterprise Champions.
If you or your organisation are ready to champion social enterprise and host a Business for Good lunch or other in-person networking event in your town or suburb, contact us at hello@secna.org.au
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A successful Business for Good lunch needs a local champion to volunteer as the host. As a host, your role is to:
Identify a venue (preferably a social enterprise cafe in your area that people can buy their own lunch from on the day, or you might know or be an organisation who can provide a space and catering)
Choose a day and time at least 6-weeks in advance
Liaise with SECNA to confirm details of the lunch (when, where, any special guests, how it will be promoted)
Promote the lunch through your networks
Facilitate discussions and networking on the day
Ideally, commit to organising at least four quarterly lunches in a row to build relationships and momentum
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SECNA will provide unwavering support to the host every step of the way, including:
Preparing and publishing the event page
Creating marketing materials (content and images) and promoting it to our networks for the lunch
Managing registrations and enquiries
Attending and supporting the first event in each new location if at all possible
Sharing and posting photos and updates about each lunch on our social media channels
Learning events
SECNA’s learning events create space for social enterprises to build capability, share knowledge, and strengthen their practice. Some sessions are peer-led and collaborative, while others bring in expert insights — all designed to be practical, relevant, and shaped by member needs.
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Peer Learning sessions bring small groups of social entrepreneurs together to explore a shared challenge or opportunity in a collaborative setting. These conversations are grounded in lived experience, with participants learning from one another’s insights, lessons, and practical approaches.
Topics have included running effective board meetings, working with employment services providers, using AI in your business, and more. Members can suggest topics at any time, ensuring discussions stay relevant to the real and evolving needs of the sector. -
Learn from Experts sessions connect SECNA members with experienced practitioners and subject-matter experts through webinars and live Q&As. Each session focuses on a topic of interest to the sector and includes time for open discussion and questions.
These events provide practical knowledge and direct access to specialist expertise, helping members build capability and confidence. Topics and speakers are shaped by member input and can be suggested at any time.
Peer mentoring
SECNA offers virtual, group peer mentoring sessions for members, generously supported by the City of Sydney. These sessions are designed to provide practical guidance, fresh perspectives, and confidence — grounded in the real-world experience of people working in and alongside social enterprise.
Mentoring sessions typically run:
Tuesdays 1:00-2:00pm
Thursdays 10:00-11:00am
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One SECNA member receives mentoring on a topic of their choice from a small group of mentors, which we refer to as the Brains Trust. The session is facilitated by SECNA.
Session format:
Introductions - All (5 mins)
Overview of mentoring topic - Mentee (5 mins)
Open and curious questions - All (20 mins)
Guidance and recommendations - All (25 mins)
Wrap-up - SECNA (5 mins)
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Mentoring is available to all SECNA members. Due to the limited number of timeslots, each member is generally limited to 1 mentoring session.
Our team can work with you to refine your mentoring topic to ensure your session remains focused on what you need help with most.
Receive mentoring - fill out our Peer Mentoring Booking Form
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Mentoring is provided by a small group of SECNA ‘Brains Trust’ members, which may include members of the SECNA operations team, experienced social entrepreneurs, industry peers, and other SECNA members.
Any SECNA member is welcome to join Brains Trust sessions, either as a mentor or observer. We will also invite relevant Brains Trust members to your session based on what you need help with and the knowledge/experience required.
Brains Trust sessions are not open to non-SECNA members, except by invitation.
Online networking
SECNA’s online networking events create space for social enterprises and supporters to connect around shared industries, impact areas, and lived experience. These sessions are designed to make it easier to build meaningful relationships within the broader ecosystem.
Through focused conversations and small-group discussions, members can exchange insights, explore collaboration opportunities, and strengthen peer support networks. Members can suggest new networks at any time, helping ensure everyone can find their place — and their people — within the sector.
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Find Your People sessions bring together social enterprises and supporters around shared industries or impact areas.
Communities have included refugee-focused enterprises, gardening and landscaping social enterprises, arts and creative practitioners, circular economy enterprises, sole traders and micro-enterprises, and more.
Networks are shaped by member interest and evolve as the sector grows. -
Women in Social Enterprise creates a dedicated space for women and non-binary social entrepreneurs across NSW to connect, share experiences, and strengthen their impact.
The network builds on the legacy of SECNA’s Women in Social Enterprise program and continues to support visibility, collaboration, and peer support. -
Founder Circles are small-group conversations designed specifically for social enterprise founders, including First Nations founders and leaders from diverse communities.
These sessions provide a confidential space to discuss leadership challenges, decision-making, growth, and the realities of running a purpose-led business, with a focus on trust and practical peer support.
Join the Social Enterprise Festival
The SECNA Festival is Australia’s biggest showcase of social enterprise — flagship event celebrating impact and the people behind business for good.
Social enterprises can get involved by expressing interest in participating — whether through showcasing products and services, contributing to conversations, or being part of the broader festival experience.
Resources
Find practical resources to help you strengthen your business, grow your impact, and navigate the social enterprise ecosystem.
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