Ready to get certified? Here's what to expect
Getting certified as a social enterprise is a straightforward process, and we're with you every step of the way.
Before you apply, it helps to know what's involved. Below you'll find a breakdown of the five steps, what documentation you'll need to pull together, and how long the process typically takes.
Most enterprises move from application to outcome in 4–5 weeks.
Happy Paws Happy Hearts
The 5 steps to certification
Here's what the process looks like from start to finish.
Before you apply, collect the following:
Your Australian Business Number (ABN)
You'll need a current, active ABN.
Governing legal documents
The document required depends on your legal structure:
- Not-for-profits: constitution or articles of association
- For-profits: constitution or shareholders' agreement
- Co-operatives: co-op rules
- Trusts: trust deed
Don't have legal documents yet? Go ahead and submit your application — we'll talk through next steps when we meet.
Financial data or business plan
We ask for profit/loss statements and balance sheets from your most recent two financial years. These can be audited financials or management accounts.
If you're a start-up or have been operating for less than two years, please provide: financial reports to date, a current 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 your most recent full financial year. 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
These might include a business plan, annual report, or marketing materials.
Submit your application through our online portal. We'll review it and be in touch within 10 business days.
We'll set up a conversation so you can tell us the story of your business — the problem you're solving, your approach, and what makes you a social enterprise. It's also a chance for both of us to ask any questions.
If we need anything further, we'll flag it during your discussion. This might include a signed verification certificate, additional impact data, or information about related entities.
If your application is approved, your enterprise is officially certified. You'll then be invited to complete your business profile on our Social Enterprise Finder and member portal.
"We feel proud to be Social Traders certified because it shows our commitment to doing business that genuinely makes a difference.
It also feels great being part of a community that turns purpose into action. When we meet a fellow certified social enterprise: 'Oh, you’re Social Traders certified? Me too.' Instant connection! We know we share the same values!"
brandkind Community, certified social enterprise
Not sure where to begin?
We've got a few ways to help you prepare.
Read the guidance notes
Our certification guidance notes cover everything you need to know before you apply, including the impact indicators and social costs we collect, and what to expect at each stage.
Join our monthly webinar
Every month we run a free information session walking through the certification process and answering your questions live. A great first step if you're not quite ready to apply.
Talk to us
Have a question that's not covered here? Reach out to our team directly, we're happy to talk through your situation before you apply.
Ready to get started?
If you've got your documents together, head to our portal to submit your application. If you have questions before you apply, get in touch, we're happy to help.
Merriwa Industries