Be recognised with Australia’s certification standard, unlock new opportunities
Social Traders certification is more than a badge. It's a mark of credibility and being part of a business for good community, creating social impact through trade.
The best part? Certification is free and once you're certified, get listed on Australia's Social Enterprise Finder directory that's viewed by 55,000 people annually.
You'll also have access to our member portal. View opportunities to supply, renew your certification, upskill with resources at your fingertips and more.
Heidelberg District Community Enterprise
Apply for certification at no cost
Be recognised as a genuine social enterprise through certification and unlock new opportunities.
Brandkind
Got questions? Join our monthly webinar
Not sure where to start? Our free monthly webinar covers what it means to be a certified social enterprise, how the process works, and how certification opens doors to new opportunities, including procurement pathways.
Whether you're just exploring the idea or ready to apply, there's a spot for you. Register below and come ready to ask anything.
Certification that is trusted
- Backed by international research
- Co-designed with Minter Ellison and EY
- Overseen by an independent expert advisory group
- Endorsed by the social enterprise sector and adapted ongoing based on sector needs
- Inclusive of all social enterprises models, legal structures and stages of development
What is a social enterprise?
Social enterprises are businesses that exist to create public or community benefit. Unlike traditional businesses, primarily driven by profit, social enterprises embed purpose into everything they do. It's business at its best.
Internationally, there are five key features that are recognised:
- Purpose: Their reason for being is to solve a social or environmental problem.
- Operations: They prioritise purpose, people and planet over profit in day-to-day decisions.
- Revenue: They operate with a self-sustaining revenue model.
- Use of surplus: The majority of any surplus is reinvested towards their mission.
- Structure: Their legal and financial structures are designed to protect and lock in purpose for the long term.
Green Connect
"We’re incredibly proud to be certified with Social Traders because it reflects what we do every day, supporting our local community in practical, meaningful ways. This certification has helped us connect with like‑minded enterprises who want to support a charity that makes a real difference locally and directly.
Being certified not only strengthens those partnerships, it also helps inspire others to come on board, whether as supporters, volunteers or collaborators, and be part of creating positive change right here in our community."
Third Story, certified social enterprise
Our certification advisory group
Meet our certification advisory group members. They provide an independent, third-party perspective on complex matters and offer general advice on certification as the social enterprise sector continues to evolve.
Michael De Soyza
Associate Partner, Ernst & Young
Keith Rovers
Partner, MinterEllison