Australian Social Enterprises

Friends of Hospice Op Shop Ballarat is a volunteer-run thrift store that raises funds to support hospice and palliative care services in the Ballarat region. The op shop sells donated second-hand goods, providing affordable shopping options to the local community while funding end-of-life care services.

Friends of Hospice Op Shop South Ballarat is a social enterprise that operates an op shop to raise funds for community and charitable organisations, specifically supporting hospice care. The op shop sells donated goods, promoting sustainable consumption and community engagement. By shopping at the op shop, customers support the organisation's social impact.

Friends with Honey is an environmental education and awareness business. Our social purpose is to inspire individuals to make positive changes in their communities and the world. Through educational programs on sustainability and biodiversity, Friends with Honey empowers individuals to become more informed and engaged members of their local communities, capable of making a positive impact on the environment. This social enterprise business promotes hands-on learning opportunities through teaching about biodiversity, sustainability and citizen science, which helps to build important skills and foster a sense of community and connection to nature. Ultimately, Friends with Honey seeks to educate, inspire, and empower individuals to become stewards of the environment and promote a sustainable and thriving future for all.

Fungi Solutions is an organic waste recycling facility, taking in local resources which would otherwise go to landfill, and using mushrooms to transform them into sustainable packaging.

We empower young Australians to thrive in today's dynamic workforce. Through partnering with government, we collaborate to deliver groundbreaking initiatives, programs, policies that engage Generation Z effectively. This includes tailored and innovative programs for first employment, job creation and digital skills training, particularly for marginalised communities. Products and services include Training & Education Services, Business & Administrative Services, Community & Social Services. Primary beneficiaries include Marginalised Youth. Social Traders status: Certified. Membership: Recognition Membership.

Futures Common Equity Housing Co-operative Ltd provides affordable housing solutions through a co-operative model, aiming to address housing insecurity and promote community well-being. The organisation supports low-income individuals and families, offering them a sense of belonging and control over their living situations. By doing so, it contributes to the creation of more equitable and sustainable communities.

Gang-Gang Arts is a social enterprise that promotes arts and culture, providing a platform for emerging artists and engaging with the community through various programs and events. The organisation aims to foster creativity, inclusivity, and social connection. By supporting local artists and offering workshops, exhibitions, and volunteer opportunities, Gang-Gang Arts contributes to the vibrant cultural scene in Victoria.

To reducing waste ending up in landfill buy designing and manufacture products made from 100% recycled plastic.

Supports in employment and workplace training in a Commercial business focused on putting people and the planet first. GDP Industries is a respected social enterprise that operates within the circular economy, reducing products from going to landfill.Currently the business recycles Mattresses, Polystyrene, Timber, Clothing and other material in various warehouses across Geelong. The business has major contracts and partnerships with City of Greater Geelong, City of Port Phillip, Cleanaway, Hanhwa Defence Australia, Infrabuild, Bellarine Bayside, Surf Coast Shire and Godfrey Hirst. GDP Industries' purpose is to provide employment opportunities, connection and support for those living with a disability, thereby significantly enhancing their lives. Our Vision, is to be a leader in the provision of inclusive, safe and sustainable support to significantly enrich the lives of those living with a disability. We offer long term employment and on the job training for people with disabilities, we support them while at work, and provide their families with the surety that all employees will be treated with respect and dignity while in the workplace.Our values are: Respectful - Everyone is treated with total respect regardless of position, background and beliefs. United - We collaborate and work together in the best interest of GDPI and our supported employees. Commercial and Considered - We are committed to realising good commercial results, while considering the needs of all our key stakeholders. Inclusive and Protective - Everyone is culturally, emotionally and physically safe and free to fully express themselves. Compassionate - We care for and trust each other and treat all with the utmost dignity. Excellence -We deliver our responsibilities, strive for excellence and are accountable in everything we do.

Currently working with all Secondary Schools in the Geelong Region for Structured Work place Learning.

Gippsland East Local Learning Employment Network

genU Business Enterprises is an Australian Disability Enterprise operating a range of businesses in the Geelong 7 Colac region. These businesses provide employment for people with a disability in a supportive work environment whilst operating to the highest commercial standards. Our businesses include hospitality, land care and business solutions genU provides meaningful employment to people with a disability whilst delivering quality and value for money products and services to our customers. genU offers a range of supported employment opportunities as well as training and pathways from school into employment as well as on to open employment.genU is a diverse and supportive workplace where supported employees will feel valued and included in their community.

The George Gray Centre is a long standing Not for Profit organisation that delivers disability supports for adults that reside in Maffra, Sale and surrounding areas. George Gray supports its clientele with daily living tasks, creative and recreational pursuits and vocational training. The George Gray Centre runs a lawn and garden maintenance crew that undertakes domestic, commercial and contractual works. The vision that directs and drives the lawn and garden maintenance business is the strong belief that all people should be supported in pursuing their vocational interests and be given an opportunity to secure gainful employment. GGC Lawn and Garden Maintenance provides a quality service to our domestic and commercial customers. Our Supervisors and Supported Employees have built a strong connection with the communities we service. We provide an enjoyable workplace for our two teams of Supported Employees and provide a fantastic service to our customers. Supported Employment provides opportunities for those living with disability to gain employment and build useful work/life skills. A tailored approach to each individuals needs and supports is undertaken to ensure an enjoyable and safe work is experienced each day. Our aim is to develop social skills, confidence and push comfort zones for personal development whilst earning an income. At the GGC our goal is to ensure each Supported Employee reaches their full potential to create pathways to open employment.

Employment- generating- creates employment and training opportunities for marginalised people

GippsTech is a social enterprise digital agency, providing website design and development, digital marketing and creative services, specialising in projects targeting rural and regional audiences. We also deliver small business education & training services in regional areas. Our social impact mission is to create regional jobs through technology and entrepreneurship, so we employ local staff, particularly in rural and regional areas. Products and services include Marketing and Communications, Training & Education Services, IT & Telecomms. Primary beneficiaries include A particular geographic community. Social Traders status: Certified. Membership: Connections Membership.

Give Industries is an award-winning social enterprise providing commercial electrical fitouts and maintenance services in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Melbourne. The enterprise donates 100% of its profits to charities focused on alleviating extreme poverty and building sustainable communities for people affected by climate change.

Since 1954 the Give Where You Live Foundation has been a driving force for social change across our region. With the goal of building a fairer, more equitable community, the Foundation’s work is dedicated to creating opportunities and removing barriers to ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to not only survive, but thrive. We prioritise and focus on food security, homelessness assistance, inclusive employment and an inclusive economy, using every resource we have to undertake a wide range of activities that help create community change. The Foundation currently operates two initiatives that are Social Enterprises being GROW and The Paddock.

Given the Chance is a labour market intermediary social enterprise offering employers a supported recruitment model to secure diverse sources of labour to meet corporate social responsibility, social procurement and workforce diversity objectives. The model offsets risk by using the status of legal employment to assist employers integrate and support jobseekers who are in host placements as trainees/apprentices or in labour hire work placements. Products and services include Human resource services & recruitment. Primary beneficiaries include Long Term Unemployed People. Social Traders status: Certified. Membership: Connections Membership.