Social enterprise certification process

Before you start the certification process, gather together your:

1. Australian business number (ABN)​
2. Governing legal​ documents: The specific document will depend on your legal structure. For example, not-for-profits need a constitution or articles of association, for-profits need a constitution/shareholders' agreement, co-ops need co-op rules, and trusts need a trust deed. Don't have legal documents? Submit your application and we'll discuss next steps when we meet.
   
3. Financial data/business​ plan​: We ask for the most recent 2 years of profit/loss statements and balance sheets. These can be audited financials or your management accounts. If you're a start-up or have been operating for less than 2 years, we ask for financial reports to date, a business plan and a 12-month financial forecast.
   
4. Impact data and social/public benefit​ costs​: We collect a small number of impact indicators and social costs aligned to the most recent full year of financial statements. The data required will depend on your impact model. Full details are in our certification guidance notes.​ (Social/public benefit costs are the costs invested into advancing the public or community mission of your social enterprise.)
5. Any other supporting documents: business plan, annual report, marketing documents etc.

We’ll review your​ application and get in​ touch within 10 business days.

An opportunity for you to​ tell us the story of your​ business, including the​ problem you're seeking to​ solve, and your approach.​ We'll both get the chance​ to ask any questions.​

If we need anything more from you, this will be highlighted​ within the discussion. For example, signed verification​ certificate, further impact​ data, information on related​ entities etc.

If approved, your​ enterprise is certified. You'll be asked to​ complete your business​ profile for our Social​Enterprise Finder and​ member portal.

On average, the process takes 4 - 5 weeks from start to completion.