E-Bulletin April 2011

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There’s a lot of buzz at the moment around Social Impact Bonds– and the opportunity they present to align the interests of government, charities, social enterprises and socially motivated investors around a common goal. This week we’ve invited Les Hems from the Centre for Social Impact to talk specifically about the importance for social enterprise to recognise the potential now on the horizon with this innovative model.

On Tuesday, the Australian Stories of Social Enterprise publication was launched – a result of a collaboration between The Centre for Social Impact and Parramatta City Council. It is the first of its kind in Australia and provided a vehicle for thirty-three Australian social enterprises to tell their stories. The publication is available on our website and in this e-bulletin.

We’ve also included a large number of notices of social enterprise related job opportunities - happy hunting and enjoy this edition... 

Social Traders Level 4, 136 Exhibition St, Melbourne ABN: 42 132 665 804
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Contact Nina Howard and the Social Traders team on (03) 8319 8446

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Find what you’re looking for:

Social Traders’ Activity
News
Opinion Piece
Launches
Events and Workshops
Grants and Awards
About Social Enterprise
Resources and Publications
Job Opportunities

Social Traders Activity

Building Social Enterprise Trading Turnover (BSETT)

BSETT is focussed on building business rigour into social enterprises through an approach involving reviewing, planning and coaching the ‘owners’ of the business. Over the first eight months BSETT has had significant impact on the social enterprises involved - including access to new contracts, reduction of costs and development of new income streams. If you’d like more information on each of the social enterprises stay tuned to: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/bsett

Social Enterprise Best Practice

The best place to learn about success in social enterprise is from the people that make it happen. Our social enterprise study tours provide you with the opportunity to hear from key social enterprise practitioners, giving in depth and practical insight into the establishment, development and operations of some of Melbourne’s most successful and interesting social enterprises. Our next tour is SOLD OUT – but spaces are still available for Thursday 23 June. Find the registration form here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2010/03/social-enterprise-study-tours

Understanding, ideas and inspiration – an introduction to social enterprise

The Social Traders learning and development program is offering several ½ day workshops providing information on the social enterprise sector in Australia, the context for social enterprise development and the first stage of idea generation for social enterprise. The next workshop is on Thursday 5 May. To book a place visit: http://hubmelbourne201102events.posterous.com/developing-a-social-enterprise

News

Call for papers and invitation to share your story: Yulkuum Jerrang: Victorian Indigenous Economic Development Conference

The Koori Business Network is inviting submissions from those who wish to present a significant case study or research paper at the Yulkuum Jerrang conference and entrepreneurs and businesses who want to share a story. The conference will explore the development of Indigenous business through trade, relationships, and entrepreneurship. Abstracts due 15 May. For more information see: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/news/2011/04/share-your-story 

18-29 years old? Up to something great?

Applications are now open for the 2011 Young Social Pioneers, a program that invests in inspired young Australians to develop their leadership skills and support their vision for social change. Find details here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/news/2011/04/18-29-years-old-something-great 

New head of the NFP sector Office

The Federal Government has appointed Helen McDevitt, the Assistant Secretary of the Social Inclusion Unit as the head of the new Office for the Not-for-Profit Sector within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. In May, she will outline the Office’s early priorities around regulation, reducing red tape and improving transparency and accountability at the Governments and Not-For Profits conference, see details here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2011/04/conference-building-partnerships-between-government-not-profits

New, simpler Australian business name registration

The Federal Government has formally launched proposals for a new system to be launched in mid-2012 that will allow start-ups to register their business name nationally and no longer have to register their business name in every State and Territory they want to trade in. Read more here: http://www.asic.gov.au/asic/asic.nsf/byheadline/New+Australian+business+name+registration+service?openDocument

Opinion Piece of the Month

Social Impact Bonds: the potential for social enterprise - Les Hems, Director of Research, Centre for Social Impact

There is currently a lot of interest in an innovative social investment mechanism – the Social Impact Bond (SIB). A SIB brings together two issues which are of increasing relevance to social enterprises, especially those that are involved in or are seeking to be involved in delivering public services and the intermediate labour market.

Read the full article here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/opinion-pieces

Launches

Victoria’s first not-for-profit electrical contractor in Northcote

GBE Electrical has become the first electrical contractor in Victoria to acquire not-for-profit status. GBE is a WISE Employment social enterprise that provides high quality electrical contractor services, while also providing training and support for new apprentices. Find more information on this exciting news here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/news/2011/04/victoria%E2%80%99s-first-not-profit-electrical-contractor-northcote

Blue SKYS Media

Blue SKYS Media is a St Kilda Youth Service social enterprise offering corporate & creative design for all types of businesses. Their services include graphic design, web design, web hosting, CMS (content management systems), social media and audio & video. Find out more here: www.blueskysmedia.org.au

Events and Workshops

TEDxSydney 2011

Applications to attend TEDxSydney 2011 LIVE are now open. The event will feature a selection of Australia's leading visionaries and storytellers showcasing their Ideas Worth Spreading. More information on applying here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2011/04/tedxsydney-2011

Cause integration: Leveraging technology to Make an Impact, 13 April - Online

A webinar discussion on why and how businesses are shifting to incorporate cause into their DNA, both from a branding and a corporate citizenship perspective.
http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2011/04/cause-integration-leveraging-technology-make-impact

Engage in ‘E-Tail’ - Australian Retailers Association, 13 April, Melbourne

Do you have an online retail capability but want to improve it? Or do you need to venture into online trade? Hear from online retail experts on key topics including: Analysing the online trend and consumer, strategies to increase retailer online presence or e-commerce capabilities. Look here for more information: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2011/04/engaging-e-tail

Social Impact: A Corporate Strategy and Responsibility Oration
Melbourne Business School, 13 April, Melbourne

Ian Williamson, Helen Macpherson Smith Chair of Leadership for Social Impact, Melbourne Business School, will present the Helen Macpherson Smith Oration on ‘Social Impact: A Corporate Strategy and Responsibility’. He will discuss the challenges and opportunities for businesses and the importance of cross-sector partnerships. More detail here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/social-impact

Gearing Up: Living your Potential, 14 April, Launceston Tailrace

This informative and exciting expo will showcase the education, training, employment and recreational options for people with a disability in Northern Tasmania.
http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2011/04/gearing-living-your-potential-tasmania

Making it Happen – From possibility to profitability
The New Zealand Community Economic Development Conference 18-20 April

The 2011 conference is aimed at building an increasingly strong, resilient and financially sustainable community sector in New Zealand, and will feature a host of leading practitioners from New Zealand and overseas. More details here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/social-enterprise-new-zealand

Show off Your Swap Art Exhibition, 7 – 22 May, Melbourne

Invitations are open to submit your artwork in the Show Off your Swap Art Exhibition during Fair Trade Fortnight. The purpose of the exhibition is to encourage educational institutions, workplaces and individual to express what fair-trade means to them in a creative platform. You could win $500 for being involved – see website for details: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2011/04/show-your-swap-art-competition

Fair Trade Mothers Day High Tea, 8 May, Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne

Treat your mum to delicious morning or afternoon tea in the elegant Rosina Room at Abbotsford Convent, sip a fair trade cup of coffee, stroll through the fair trade stalls for that special gift and be inspired by the Fair Trade mums' stories. For more information see: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2011/04/fair-trade-mothers-day-high-tea

Social Return on Investment workshops, 3-10 May, Perth, Melbourne &Sydney

Jeremy Nicholls from the SROI Network is visiting Australia again as a guest of the Centre for Social Impact (WA). He will conduct one and two day workshops in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Learn about measuring social value creation by using SROI frameworks and will learn the basics of impact mapping. More information here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2011/04/social-return-investment-workshops

Build partnerships between Government & Not-for-Profits, 19-20 May, Canberra

Collaboration between Government and the Not-for-Profit (NFP) sector is crucial to improving social service delivery and ultimately building a socially inclusive Australia. This conference is a must for all Government or NFP sector representatives interested in fostering collaboration and ultimately delivering effective, citizen-centric services. Register now: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2011/04/conference-building-partnerships-between-government-not-profits

Future Summit 2011, 30 & 31 May, Melbourne

The annual Australian Davos Connection Future Summit provides a uniquely collaborative framework for participants from all sectors of the community to debate, share insights and develop actionable options for a more prosperous future. Although applications are closed you can find more information on this event here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2011/04/future-summit-2011

Indigenous Forces@work Conference, 19-21 July, Alice Springs

The 2011 Jobs Australia, Indigenous Forces at Work conference will highlight successful Indigenous enterprise, employment and training programs by providing delegates with a range of networking forums. Find the conference flyer and more information here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2011/04/indigenous-forceswork-conference

Social Capital Markets event, 30 May – 1 June, Amsterdam

Social Capital Markets (SOCAP) is a multi-platform organization dedicated to the flow of capital toward social good. The event series connects global innovators – investors, foundations, institutions and social entrepreneurs – to build a market at the intersection of money and meaning. Find more information on the upcoming event here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2011/04/social-capital-markets-europe-event

Grants & Awards

Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF)

The Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) is a $1 billion national program to support Australia’s regions and enhance the economic development and livability of their communities. Find links to details on the fund and who can apply: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2011/04/application-funding-under-regional-development-australia-fund-rdaf-program

Philanthropy Australia’s Grant seeker workshops

The half-day workshops provide an overview of Australian trusts and foundations and the environment in which they operate. Learn how to research potential funding sources, what to include in a submission, what to leave out, how to make your application easy to understand, and what makes foundations different to other funders. http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2011/04/philanthropy-australias-grantseeker-workshops

About Social Enterprise & Social Enterprise Profiles

‘Australian Stories of Social Enterprise’
written by Cheryl Kernot and Joanne McNeill

The stories explored in the book cover a diverse range of social enterprises, from recycling mattresses, to street coffee carts, cafes and restaurants, renewable energy, printing, digital technology and many more. Find a copy here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/news/2011/04/australian-stories-social-enterprise or contact csi@unsw.edu.au

Are you interested in reading other examples? See the Social Traders series of comprehensive social enterprise case studies available here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/library/social-enterprise-case-studies

Or join a study tour: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/event/2010/03/social-enterprise-study-tours

Resources and Publications

Research agenda for social enterprise in Australia

In November last year the Centre for Nonprofit Studies at the Queensland University of Technology hosted a forum attended by 100 social enterprise researchers, academics and practitioners as well as social entrepreneurs and people from government and nonprofit organisations. An informative report capturing the learning and sharing arising from that important forum is now available – and provides links to all presentations on the day: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/social-enterprise-research 

Australian Social Trends publication

Australian Social Trends draws on a wide range of data, sourced both from ABS and other agencies, to present a picture of Australian society. This publication aims to inform decision-making, research and discussion on social conditions in Australia. It covers social issues of current and ongoing concern, population groups of interest, and changes in these over time. Find it here: http://www.abs.gov.au/socialtrends

Job Opportunities

MTC Work Solutions, Manager - Social Enterprise

MTC Work Solutions, a non-profit community based organisation delivering a range of employment, training, community and support programs throughout Sydney, is looking for a Manager, Social Enterprise to further develop its social enterprise strategy, manage existing social enterprises and develop new ones that innovatively address social and economic disadvantage. More information here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/social-enterprise-job-opportunities

The Australian Centre for Social Innovation – Radical Design Initiative

The Australian Centre for Social Innovation is searching for people who went into research hoping to answer the questions that mattered, or went into policy hoping to tackle the problems that mattered. They are looking for design people, policy people, community people, and business people to work and learn with them as they expand their radical redesign initiative. If you are interested look here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/social-enterprise-job-opportunities

School for Social Entrepreneurs Australia (SSE) – Three positions available
Bookkeeper, Freelance Writer & researcher, Freelance Radio Journalist

SSE is a nonprofit venture dedicated to identifying, developing and supporting social entrepreneurs and raising awareness and understanding of social entrepreneurship. Each position is based in Sydney with flexible hours. Find more information here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/social-enterprise-job-opportunities

Moral Fairground – Sponsorship/Grants Manager

Moral Fairground, a Melbourne based social enterprise event organisation, is looking for an entrepreneurial person to fill their Sponsorship Manager position. The role will participate in and contribute to the development of the Festival sponsorship and grant strategy - and has the potential to be the Event Manager role in the future. Details here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/social-enterprise-job-opportunities

Food Connect Brisbane - Conversation Team Coordinator

The Food Connect Conversation Team Coordinator is to ensure the efficient and effective running of their subscriptions process and to work closely with the Marketing & Sales Manager providing information and advice to enable effective decision-making. http://www.socialtraders.com.au/social-enterprise-job-opportunities

Looking for volunteers?

Did you know that you can advertise for volunteers on Victoria's Volunteering Portal, the Victorian Government's website for volunteers and volunteer organisations, including social enterprises? Visit www.volunteer.vic.gov.au

Advertise a job opportunity – send details to info@socialtraders.com.au or upload the details here: http://www.socialtraders.com.au/social-enterprise-job-opportunities 

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