Social Enterprise News

How to Help is honouring International Men’s Day with the social enterprise hosting a panel discussion about men’s mental health and how to support those who struggle on November 17 at Hip Hops Brewers.

The panelists will include It's Rocket Science founder Cran Middlecoat, Mind Flow Grow changemaker Steve Williams and Yard Empire owners Jason Cushway and Paul Barton.

How to Help founder Stacey MacMillan-White says guests can expect an afternoon of relaxation and education.

“The aim of this event is to give some attention to men’s mental health – and to continue to normalise these conversations and connect people with avenues for seeking help,” Stacey says.

“This event is an acknowledgement that mental health affects us all and if we are to fix this problem, it takes all of us. So, everyone - both men and women – are welcomed at the event.

Read more here.

The Pearcey Foundation today announced Yas Grigaliunas, founder and chief evangelist of Circonomy, as the recipient of the 2023 Queensland ICT Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The Pearcey Foundation also gave a highly commended award to Geoff Augutis.

The award was presented in Brisbane by Wayne Gerard, Operating Partner at Queensland Investment Corporation at an event attended by special guest, The Honourable Mark Bailey MP, Queensland Minister for Digital Services.

The Queensland Pearcey Awards recognise outstanding ICT professionals who have demonstrated innovation, taken risks, made a difference and are an inspiration to others in the industry and the wider community. Nominees for the award this year alongside Yas Grigaliunas were Alex Moss, Ashley Llambias, Chris Jeffery, Chris Kerrisk, Darren Rogan, and Geoff Augutis.

Yas Grigaliunas

"Yas Grigaliunas is the dynamic founder and chief evangelist of Circonomy, recognised as a TEDx speaker and part of the Global 100 Inspirational Leaders for 2022. Currently serving as the president of the Queensland Social Enterprise Council and the inaugural chief circular entrepreneur at Circular Australia, Yas has a history of leadership and impact." said Paul Gampe, Queensland chair, Pearcey Foundation.

Read more here.

Recently, Geoff Smith (CEO, ASA) had the opportunity to share ASA’s vision and success through TEDx.

In his talk, he encourages his audience to challenge their own misconceptions surrounding the capabilities and strengths of autistic professionals, reiterating that these outdated ideas are not only causing autistic workers to face unfair challenges in the workplace, but they are also holding many organisations back from success.

Read more here.

SEWF23: Verification scheme launched at this week's Social Enterprise World Forum aims to overcome cultural and language differences, to provide clear identity for businesses focused on positive purpose.

A new brand and verification process to unite the social enterprise movement across the world was launched this morning at the Social Enterprise World Forum, which is taking place this week in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Announcing the new Social Enterprise Verification mark, Helene Malandain, chair of the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF), said that while SEWF and others used the term ‘social enterprise’, others, including indigenous communities, also ran businesses focused on purpose – and had been doing so for thousands of years.

“Beyond terminology, what brings us together is our values and principles,” she said. “An opportunity arose to create a common identity that brings us together under these shared goals.”

Beyond terminology, what brings us together is our values and principles

Building on a verification process that SEWF had already been running for social enterprises, Malandain explained SEWF had carried out research during the past year. What emerged was a new logo, highlighting ‘people + planet first’ which will be awarded to enterprises that meet SEWF’s verification standards. 

Read more here.

Congratulations to Siobhan from Our Pixie Friends for being a Westfield Local Hero Finalist for 2023!

The 2023 Westfield Local Heroes program will award 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $1.26 million to support local communities.

Young Siobhan Wilson dedicates her life to helping other children feel good about themselves and donating money to medical research. Aged 14, Siobhan is the founder of Our Pixie Friends, where she has four ways of helping. These include website resources and picture books about coping with life's challenges and including those who feel isolated.

See more here!

The Buy Queensland Supply Awards recognise businesses who have embraced the Buy Queensland approach, and by working with the Queensland Government are contributing to the Queensland spirit of good jobs, better services and a great lifestyle.

On 4 October 2023, the winners of Buy Queensland Supplier Awards were announced at a ceremony in Brisbane.

QSEC member Help Enterprises was highly commended in the Diversity through Supply Chains Award, with QSEC members Australian Spatial Analytics and Green Fox Studio as finalists.

QSEC member The Social Deck took the Minister’s Buy Queensland award.

Congratulations to all!

Read more here:

https://www.epw.qld.gov.au/about/strategy/buy-qld/engage/buy-queensland-supplier-awards

A2ELP brings together the next generation of young social entrepreneurs from across Southeast Asia and Australia to build leadership skills and networks for social impact.

During a three month online program delegates will build knowledge of scalable and sustainable business models, cultural intelligence and innovative start-up and enterprise methodologies. There will be chances to network with industry, academic and government leaders, and hear from innovators and investors tackling the region’s challenges.

Be one of 15 emerging leaders from across ASEAN and Australia, who come together to make connections, build skills and amplify your leadership across our region.

Apply here.

This report explores how social procurement targets contribute to the overall motivations of Social Traders business and government members, and the strategies used to achieve social goals.

Key Highlights

• 63% of respondents have either public or internal social procurement targets, with a further 15% currently developing targets.
• Setting targets has yielded success, with 74% of respondents which have social procurement targets meeting or exceeding those targets.
• Customer expectation/reputation is a growing motivation for organisations to set social procurement targets, with 68% of respondents selecting this as a motivation for setting their targets.

Download and read the report here.

A selection of local groups that provide “vital” support to disadvantaged and vulnerable locals have received state government grants.

Nambour Meals on Wheels Service, SevGen Indigenous Corporation, the Calmer Kids program and Rhythm Initiative Limited were awarded Social Enterprise Growth Grants.

The Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the funding would enable the groups to deliver projects that “deliver real social impact” in communities “supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable Queenslanders, while delivering training, skills and services for the greater good.”

Read more here!

October marks Indigenous Business Month, an annual occasion dedicated to highlighting the increasing number of thriving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises throughout Queensland.

Under the banner of "To Gather, Together" for this year, we urge you to support Indigenous businesses in your community when you're in need of products, services, or experiences. Join in celebrating Indigenous Business Month by either organizing or participating in an event this October.

For additional resources and events, please visit the Indigenous Business Month website here.