Curious about social enterprise?
Understand how social enterprises operate as businesses for good.
Social enterprises exist to maximise impact.
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.
Across Australia, social enterprise peak bodies agree on five global standards set by the Social Enterprise World Forum. These standards help define what makes a social enterprise, and ensure integrity and impact across the sector:
Purpose
Exists to solve a social and/or environmental problem.
Operations
Prioritises purpose, people, and planet over profit in day-to-day decisions.
Revenue
Has a self-sustaining revenue model, earning income through trade.
Use of surplus
Reinvests the majority of any surplus back into its purpose.
Structure
Chooses legal structures and financing that protect and lock in purpose long term.
There are three main types of social enterprises.
Social enterprises come in many shapes and sizes. Some fit neatly into one category, while others combine elements of several models. What unites them is their commitment to using business as a force for good.
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Work Integrated Social Enterprises (WISEs)
WISEs create jobs, training, and pathways to employment for people who face barriers to the mainstream labour market. This can include people with disabilities, young people, refugees, people experiencing long-term unemployment, or those impacted by the justice system.
By providing meaningful work and support, WISEs help people build skills, confidence, and long-term economic participation. -
Product, service and circular economy
These social enterprises sell products or services that directly address social or environmental challenges. This might include fair-trade goods, ethical services, or circular economy models that reduce waste, reuse materials, and regenerate natural systems.
Their impact is embedded in what they sell — whether that’s renewable energy, sustainable food, ethical fashion, or community services. -
Profit-distributing social enteprises
These businesses operate commercially but commit to distributing a significant portion of their profits to social or environmental causes. Some donate profits to charities, while others use models like buy-one-give-one to deliver impact through every sale.
While they may look like traditional businesses, their profit is a tool — not the goal.
Get involved.
There are many ways to get involved with social enterprise, whether you’re an individual, business, supporter, or simply curious to learn more.
Join a Business for Good Lunch.
Business for Good lunches are relaxed, welcoming events where social enterprises and supporters come together to connect, learn, and share ideas. They’re a great way to hear real stories from people using business to create positive social and environmental change.
Whether you’re new to social enterprise or simply exploring how you can get involved, these lunches offer a friendly space to ask questions, gain insights, and build relationships — no prior knowledge required.
Join a Business for Good lunch near you and see how business for good comes to life across NSW and the ACT.
Attend the Social Enterprise Festival.
Discover the power of business for good at Australia’s biggest showcase of social enterprises. This flagship event is your chance to learn more about social enterprises, and connect with like-minded, socially conscious people.
Meet the passionate people behind businesses that put people and planet first. Explore high-quality, fair-trade products and services, take part in engaging activations and workshops, and support the growth of a fairer economy and society.
Become a SECNA member.
If you’re new to SECNA or social enterprise and want to stay connected, becoming an Associate Member is a great place to start. Associate Membership is open to individuals and organisations — including businesses, charities, students, and professionals — who want to support and learn more about the sector.
As a member, you’ll receive updates on news, events, jobs, and opportunities, while connecting with a growing community passionate about business for good. Whether you’re curious or ready to get involved, Associate Membership helps you stay in the loop and be part of a thriving social enterprise ecosystem.
Resources.
Find practical resources to help you strengthen your business, grow your impact, and navigate the social enterprise ecosystem.
Ask us anything.
