What is a social enterprise?

Social enterprise is business at its best. They are innovative businesses that work to create a fairer and more sustainable world. There are an estimated 12,000 social enterprises in Australia contributing to 206,000 jobs and $21.3 billion to our economy.

A social enterprise:

  • has a defined primary social, cultural or environmental purpose consistent with a public or community benefit
  • derives a substantial portion of income from trade
  • invests efforts and resources into purpose such that public/community benefit outweighs private benefit.

They operate across various industry sectors from facilities management, catering and hospitality, to business administration and design.

Thinking of getting certified as a social enterprise? Sign up and apply today, it's free. Join more than 750 certified social enterprises delivering impact.

Join our certification webinar

Join our certification webinar

Learn more about certification and get your questions answered through this free interactive session.

Join a community of innovative game changers and be recognised as a genuine social enterprise.

Image: Wallara Logistics

Got more questions?

View frequently asked questions about Social Traders certification

Supporting social enterprises to grow

Supporting social enterprises to grow

Robert Servine from certified social enterprise Green Connect shares his thoughts on how Social Traders is supporting certified social enterprises to grow.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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