Social Enterprise News

News from QSEC and the Social Enterprise Sector.

  • 03 October 2023 8:48 AM | Anonymous

    Bundaberg’s IMPACT Community Services and Oldies Angels Inc are among 47 state-wide recipients sharing more than $1 million in Social Enterprise Growth Grants that help disadvantaged and vulnerable Queenslanders.

    For IMPACT Community Services New Image Laundry manager Brendan Laws, the funding received through the Social Enterprise Growth Grants for their Clean Start Project is a real boost.

    “Our Clean Start project demonstrates our commitment to providing employment opportunities and pathways so people can improve their lives," Mr Laws said.

    “This funding will allow us, through Queensland Property and Linen Services, to develop pathways for those in our community who face disadvantage and barriers to employment, so they can get a foot in the door and, with support, build their skills and confidence so they can move on into the open employment market if that’s something they want to do.

    “We extend our appreciation to the Queensland Government for their generous support through the Social Enterprise Growth Grants.

    “With this support, we are better equipped to make a lasting difference in our community.“


    Read more here.

  • 03 October 2023 8:46 AM | Anonymous

    Recently, the federal government unveiled 'Working Future' - a White Paper addressing jobs and opportunities, a significant milestone as these releases don’t happen often.

    This collaborative approach by government to foster a more inclusive labour market explicitly recognises social enterprise under Priority 9: “Partnering with Communities to achieve genuine place-based change informed by community needs, deepening ties with social enterprise and partnering with First Nations people to support economic development".

    It discusses how government is committed to working closely with the sector, building on initiatives like the Outcomes Fund and the Social Enterprise Development Initiative to create more job and training opportunities for disadvantaged Australians.

    Thank you to all those who contributed to this monumental shift, from the innovative enterprises paving the way for change to the tireless advocates. We're one step closer to a more inclusive workforce, with social enterprise at the forefront of our government's agenda.

    On the go? Check out the summary fact sheet.

    Read the entire White Paper here.

  • 28 September 2023 8:57 AM | Anonymous

    As part of the Australian Government’s election commitment for a stronger, more diverse and independent community sector, the Department of Social Services is exploring opportunities to better support Australian communities through the design and administration of grants to the sector, including more meaningful working partnerships and options for greater innovation.

    This issues paper aims to reflect what the department has already heard from community sector organisations about current challenges and ideas for how the Australian Government could support a stronger, more diverse and independent community sector.

    Using this issues paper as a guide, the department would like your feedback to help inform a package of recommendations for government consideration, on innovative approaches to grant funding that will support both short and longer-term reform to the operation of grants.

    Submissions responding to the issues paper close on Tuesday 7 November 2023.

    This consultation aims to provide an opportunity to have meaningful discussion and seek feedback from the community sector on the government’s election commitment for a stronger, more diverse and independent community sector.

    In the paper, your feedback on discussion questions is being sought. These questions cover 5 focus areas:

    1. Giving the sector the voice and respect it deserves through a meaningful working partnership
    2. Providing grants that reflect the real cost of delivering quality services
    3. Providing longer grant agreement terms
    4. Ensuring grant funding flows to a greater diversity of community sector organisations (CSOs)
    5. Partnering with trusted community organisations with strong local links.

    While everyone has a role to play in strengthening the community sector, the focus of this paper is on the role of the Australian Government in supporting the community sector. We want to hear from:

    • CSOs
    • advocacy organisations
    • experts (including academia)
    • providers
    • people accessing and using community services
    • people unable to access and use community services
    • employee representative bodies

    Learn more here.

  • 28 September 2023 8:53 AM | Anonymous

    Celebrating sector leaders and innovators in impact investing.

    The Australian Impact Investment Awards offers an opportunity for organisations and individuals to showcase and be recognised for their expertise, commitment and outstanding activity in the Australian impact investing ecosystem. The Awards are designed around similar criteria and categories to the Global Steering Group’s (GSG) Awards.

    Learn more here.

  • 28 September 2023 8:50 AM | Anonymous

    The TMRRW Awards recognise the local businesses, organisations, and projects making a positive environmental and social impact.

    Together, they're building a passionate community of change makers to inspire new ways of thinking, living, and working and fostering a culture of collaboration and collective action.

    The focus is on ensuring everyone who enters gains value from taking part in the TMRRW Awards.

    By entering, you’ll have the opportunity to:

    • Get noticed by our world-class judges
    • Be recognised for your achievements
    • Reach new, appreciative audiences
    • Connect with our passionate community
    • Get inspired by what others are doing

    Learn more and apply here!

  • 19 September 2023 10:13 AM | Anonymous

    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.

  • 19 September 2023 9:48 AM | Anonymous

    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.

  • 19 September 2023 9:37 AM | Anonymous

    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.

  • 19 September 2023 9:36 AM | Anonymous

    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.

  • 14 September 2023 5:23 AM | Anonymous

    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.



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