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.
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.
Impact data and social 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 costs are the costs invested into advancing the public or community mission of your social enterprise.)
Any other supporting documents: business plan, annual report, marketing documents etc.
Submit your application via our portal: We’ll review your application and get in touch within 10 business days.
Application discussion: 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.
Provide any additional information: 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.
Outcome: If approved, your enterprise is certified. You'll be asked to complete your business profile for our SocialEnterprise Finder and member portal.
On average, the process takes 4 - 5 weeks from start to completion.
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.