Australian Social Enterprises

Access Industries provides a supportive and professional workplace that creates opportunities for people with disabilities achieve economic and community participation through meaningful employment. All employees of Access Industries receive training and support to deliver quality products and services for our commercal customers. As part of its commitment to providing quality services, Access Industries employs skilled Training Officers and Welfare Officers to provide or organise additional training and support for its supported employees (i.e. employees who have a disability). This enables supported employees to optimise their work potential and personal skills, and for those wishing to do so, helps to prepare them to move on into open employment. We provide services for people with disabilities in employment related areas. In doing so we create opportunities for our supported employees to develop personal and workplace skills to increase their social and financial independence.

As a not-for-profit community organisation, Achieve Australia has provided services and support with integrity, commitment and passion since 1952 for people with a disability to achieve a life that is meaningful and valued. We do this by facilitating the learning and maintenance of life and work skills, the development of relationships, the ability to make life choices and participation in community activities. Achieve Australia’s My Career services create opportunities for people with disability to learn, succeed, earn income and feel fulfilled through having a satisfying career and meaningful work. Paid employment facilitates independence, self-respect and opportunities to become fully contributing members of the community. It also enables My Career customers, volunteers, and the community in general to learn how people with disability are contributing to business and society through their skills and productivity, and financial independence. Achieve Australia’s My Career services benefit supported employees and their families by:• Equipping people with skills, confidence and qualifications• Helping to identify career and skill development options• Providing training and work experience opportunities• Offering travel training• Providing guidance on writing an impressive resume• Conducting training on successful recruitment interview techniques My Career provides workers with the individual supports and services they require so they can focus on their skill development, roles in the workplace, and enjoyment of a productive team environment.

ParaQuad Industries is an Australian Disability Enterprise based in Shenton Park WA. We provide general packaging, bulk breaking and repetitive assembly services as well as picture framing and courier services. We also manufacture rag wipers and recycle donated goods through sale in our three Op Shops and through export. Each year ParaQuad Industries collects and recycles about 1,500 tonnes of donated used goods, approximately 75% of which are diverted from landfill. This assists local governments and provides metropolitan residents a convenient way of disposing of unwanted items. ParaQuad Industries provides a wide variety of meaningful employment and social interaction opportunities to all of our supported employees in a modern facility. We enable the transition to open employment where appropriate and encourage eligible employees to upgrade their skills by sponsoring advanced training for them.

All Points Developments and Construction Indigenous Corporation is an Indigenous business likely operating in the development and construction sector in NSW. Its primary social impact is inferred to be the creation of economic opportunities and employment for Indigenous Australians.

Alpurrurulam Land Aboriginal Corporation is an Indigenous corporation, registered with ORIC, likely focused on the management of land and resources for the Alpurrurulam Aboriginal community in Queensland. While specific program details are unavailable from the provided information, its core social impact would involve promoting Indigenous self-determination, cultural preservation, and community well-being through responsible land stewardship.

Amarapave Pty Ltd provides asphalt paving services across Victoria. As a social enterprise, it invests its profits to create supportive career pathways and foster diversity and inclusion for women, non-binary individuals, and other minorities within the asphalt industry, aiming to break stereotypes and drive cultural change.

Are-able focuses on offering meaningful employment opportunities for people with a disability through a range of business enterprises and community support services. These enterprises provide a supported environment for people with a disability to develop their job skills and work ethic, along with an opportunity to make the transition from supported, to open employment. We believe employment opportunities are critical in creating an inclusive & empowering community for people with a disability. All employment opportunities at are-able offer valuable hands-on employment experience in a supportive & social environment. Social and community participation is about connecting with your local community and, in turn, ensuring a sense of purpose and well being. Employment isn't just about having a job. Our Social Enterprise can provide you with a sense of purpose, an opportunity to contribute skills, gain achievement, economic & social participation. Supported Employment can boost your confidence & self-esteem. It connects you with your community and gives you a strong sense of purpose.

Aruma Services - Summerland Farm is a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities to over 500 Australians with a disability through its various businesses, including commercial laundry, facility services, and food products. The organisation also sub-contracts to other disability organisations, creating further employment opportunities. By doing so, Aruma aims to create long-term careers and promote social inclusion for people with disabilities.

We might have a new name, but we’re not the new kids on the block. You once knew us as House with No Steps and The Tipping Foundation – two great organisations, with over 100 years of combined experience, who came together in 2018. Yes, we’re a disability service provider, but we’re also so much more. We’re the helper, mentor, coach, and trusted partner of around 5000 people with a disability throughout the east coast of Australia. We’re also proud to employ nearly 400 people with a disability across our seven businesses. From packaging and facility services to delicious biscuits and a working avocado and macadamia farm, our businesses offer quality products and services whilst advocating for Australians living with disability. All our Businesses are Social Enterprises certified by Social Traders. Meaning we are profit for purpose! We are sustainable and commercially competitive, but we exist for the sole purpose of creating meaningful, enjoyable employment for people with disability. We know that our Businesses are productive, creative, innovative, and great at problem solving. But work with us and find out for yourself! By including people with disabilities into your supply chain you help to increase their exposure to corporate sourcing, whilst improving employment, training, and social inclusion opportunities. Aruma is committed to participating in the communities in which we operate. We strive to increase local spending and create jobs for local suppliers and contractors. In 2022, our Businesses contributed over $17.3 million into the economy and for every dollar invested into an Aruma businesses there is a $2.05 return on investment to our local communities via improved incomes for employees, disability support pension savings and increased economic activity of carers. There are numerous benefits to employment such as improved relationships, self-reliance, and self-esteem. And, supported employment with Aruma gives people with a disability opportunity to learn new skills, get work experience, meet new people, work on their career goals, and earn an income. Our employees can work in different roles throughout our businesses including gardening, administration, biscuit manufacturing, tour guides, cooks and more. We never use a one-size-fits-all approach - supporting people to live a great life, the life they want, the life they choose!

ASTERIA is a proud diverse organisation, offering tailored disability support and commercial services to the residents of central Victoria, with operations based in Maryborough and Bendigo.ASTERIA provides a comprehensive range of services, including individual and programs of support, in-home and community-based assistance, respite and accommodation services, support coordination as well as children and youth support. Our supported employment program underpins our commercial services, which are available to the community and local businesses.At ASTERIA, we are dedicated to removing barriers, creating opportunities, and empowering individuals to make their own choices. Through inclusive services and employment programs, we strengthen community connections and promote social participation, helping individuals thrive while contributing to a more equitable and supportive society. ASTERIA’s supported employment program empowers individuals with disabilities by providing meaningful work opportunities in a safe, inclusive environment. Employees gain practical job skills, soft skills like communication and teamwork, and health and safety knowledge through tailored training. This fosters independence, confidence, and career growth. Families benefit from the stability and sense of purpose these roles provide, knowing their loved ones are supported and valued.

B & M Essential Cleaning is a Victorian social enterprise dedicated to helping vulnerable members of the community, particularly new migrants and refugees, secure stable and reliable employment. Through their social purpose initiative, they provide cleaning services, building trade work, repairs and maintenance, as well as equipment and supplies. Their certified Social Traders status demonstrates their commitment to creating meaningful social impact through sustainable business practices.

Bedford is a not-for-profit registered charity that exists to support people with disability to live the life they choose through jobs, pathways and opportunities. As the second-largest employer of people with disability in Australia, Bedford provides a broad range of employment options, services and supports for nearly 1400 clients across 22 sites in South Australia. Bedford exists to support people with disability to live the life they choose through jobs, pathways and opportunities. Our Bedford-backed social enterprises offer a range of products and services, including food and beverage, manufacturing and landscape construction, with all profits returning to Bedford to create more opportunities. Providing employees and clients with meaningful employment and a variety of services and supports, such as social programs, residential care, training programs, and capacity-building.

BG Civil Indigenous Corporation is an Indigenous-owned and operated entity that likely provides civil works services, aiming to benefit Indigenous communities. Its specific activities are not detailed, but its focus on Indigenous ownership and operation suggests a strong commitment to social impact. The organisation's efforts may contribute to improved infrastructure and economic development in Indigenous communities.

Bridge Darebin is a certified social enterprise in Victoria that strengthens the local Darebin community by providing essential social and educational services. They support over 4,500 community members weekly through adult education, childcare, community programs, catering, and venue hire, addressing employment pathways, positive ageing, and social inclusion.

Operating since 1968, Brunswick Industries is a Victorian Disability Social Enterprise providing employment opportunities for people living with disabilities. We specialise in the manufacture of commercial and industrial liquid cleaning chemicals including our own RIBBON Contractor range of liquid cleaning chemicals. Combined with our liquid chemical manufacturing, we also offer a broad range of packing and assembly services and the supply of marketing collateral, promotional merchandise and offer warehouse facilities. This flexibility and capability, opens new employment opportunities and a diverse scope of skills training programs that can cater for the individual needs of our supported employees. Contract Liquid Chemical Filling:• Pet Care & Conditioning• Leather Care & Automotive • Commercial Cleaning & Janitorial• Fragrances & Candle Supplies Ribbon Liquid Cleaning Chemicals:• Commercial Offices & Retail Outlets• Hospitality & Healthcare Facilities• Events & Venue Cleaning Supplies• Construction Sites & Portable Amenities We Pack & Assemble:• Exhibition & Promotion Kits• Shrink Wrap & Co-Packing• Product Packing• Reworks & Labelling• Component Assembly The unemployment rate for people with disability has been more than double the unemployment rate of people without disability. Employment plays significant importance in the changes and life experiences for people living with disability. Improving employment opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities can significantly improve the economy, community, and individuals’ lives. The more business we secure, the more opportunities we have to employ people living with disability. For every $20,000 that we earn, we can provide up to 1600 hours of employment over a year for two people living with disability. Our Social Value and contribution is not just limited to employment opportunities, we can make a difference and help break the barriers and misconceptions held against people with disability. We provide employment and progressive training and development programs for people living with disabilities. With purpose-built facilities, we provide a safe, secure and supportive environment for our employees and encourage them to reach their potential. Support is a mixture of 1:1 and group support 1:4 to 1:7 depending on your employment goals and Program of Support which is developed with you using a person-centred approach. Our Employment Supports Program provides on the job training and development across a broad range of meaningful work. Individualised, these opportunities include manufacturing, warehousing, administration, cleaning, workplace safety, teamwork, and leadership, plus the opportunity to undertake Certificate Courses. All of which contribute to the inclusion, well-being and financial security for people living with disability, their families and greater community.

Building and Construction Indigenous Corporation is an Indigenous Corporation registered in Queensland, operating within the building and construction sector. While specific program details are not available from the public register, its structure as an Indigenous business suggests a focus on economic participation and community benefit for Indigenous Australians.

Caloola Vocational Services is located in Cessnock NSW and has been operating for the past 30 - 40 years. The service provides supported employment to individuals who have an intellectual disability in the areas of shop assistance and/or ground maintenance work. It has created a well- respected name in the Lower Hunter community for being reliable, flexible and thoughtful through its delivery of quality landscaping and grounds maintenance work and shop assistance services. The Caloola Crews and Management work together to make sure their commercial customers receive the highest quality results and that the people of Caloola continually learn and develop their life and work skills.

cape solutions provide supported employment to more than 300 people with disability. Our team offers co-packing and assembly services, warehousing and third-party logistics, food packing, corporate gifting, nursery services, and print and communications solutions. All cape solutions sites and services are ISO-9001 certified. Our capabilities- A HACCP food-safe room- A commercial print and multimedia room- Container docking facilities- More than 12,000 square meters of factory and warehouse space between our sites- Capacity to store 1,500 pallets indoors across both sites, as well as outdoor storage options Our locations - cape solutions North (1-7 Belfast Street Broadmeadows)- cape solutions East (52-62 Rooks Road Nunawading) We are a certified social enterprise with over fifty years in operation that employs a large and flexible team of Australians with disability. cape group aims to deliver social impact by providing people with disability the opportunity to work, build connections, and reach their full potential. Our goal is to equip, educate and inspire our people so, should they wish to, they can progress into open and mainstream employment. We work with a wide range of industries so our people can build varying and transferable skills that reflect the current job market. This variety also provides an opportunity to explore their passions and purpose.

Caringa was created by the community, for you. We support the experience and enjoyment of ‘A Complete Life’ with choice and independence, delivering services and support across the Clarence Valley and Coffs Coast areas. We are a community-focused charity organisation that delivers the person-centred and co-designed supports that you expect and deserve. Caringa Australia was created by the community, for you. We support the experience and enjoyment of ‘A Complete Life’ with choice and independence, delivering services and support across the Clarence Valley and Coffs Coast areas. We are a community-focused organisation that delivers the person-centred and co-designed supports that you expect and deserve. Caringa is proud to provide Australian made, quality products and services at cost effective rates Australia wide. Caringa pursues sustainability through our people, processes and business decisions to enhance the wellbeing of clients and our wider local community. Caringa Store provides opportunities for people with disability to gain specialist knowledge and skills within supported employment. Caringa promotes inclusion, takes action for effective change and partners with our community for social change so that our clients experience acceptance, empowerment and inclusion. The Caringa Store is proud to be open to the general public for all products and services and welcomes all queries, sales, purchases and questions from the wider Community at any time.

CatholicCare’s Disability Service recognises your potential! We believe that everyone has the right to Learn, Work and Connect. Our Disability Services will give you that opportunity. If you’re looking for:- Social programs to make lasting friendships and explore your community,- Life skills development to live more independently,- Support to build skills for work and help to find the right job, or, - Assistance at home and in the community, including the best gardening and cleaning services. We are here to help. We know that your goals are as unique and individual as you are, so together we’ll design a plan that is just for you. Your team will champion and support you along the journey to achieve your goals. To find out more, contact our friendly team for an obligation free discussion.

CGC provides specialist geotechnical engineering services for transport, energy and civil infrastructure projects across Queensland, NSW and Victoria. As a certified B Corp and Social Traders certified social enterprise, they leverage their technical expertise to deliver engineering solutions while creating positive social impact and stronger foundations for communities.

ConnectGV is a certified social enterprise in Shepparton, Victoria that provides employment opportunities and workforce solutions for people with disabilities. Through their contracting services including packaging, cleaning, garden maintenance, and event setup, they create meaningful employment pathways while helping businesses with labour-intensive tasks.

Challenge Community Services has provided innovative and people-focused services to the community for over 65 years. Our offering to regional and metropolitan communities includes Disability Services, Foster Care, Allied Health and supported employment for people with a disability as part of our range of Business Services.Challenge Community Services operates throughout regional and metropolitan New South Wales, and the greater Brisbane area in Queensland. Our organisation is built on a strong workforce of over 1000 people, including over 90 employees with disability. Challenge Community Services is a registered not-for-profit organisation that has been making a difference in the lives of people in our community for over sixty five years.Challenge support people with disability, children and vulnerable members of the community to have the same rights and entitlements as all community members. This includes lifestyle, community access, accommodation, vocational and employment support. Supporting our business means that you are giving a person with a disability meaningful employment opportunities within a supported employment environment.

Challenge is an ADE supporting people with disabilities. Activities include Welby garden centre nursery, garden maintenance service, secure document destruction, light manufacturing, letterbox deliveries. Registered as an NDIS Service Provider Challenge supports the community by engaging disadvantaged individuals in employment and training in variety of meaningful activities, including horticultural, garden maintenance, light manufacturing, packing, secure document destruction, and mail box distribution. By having a opportunities of activities employees are able to engage in activities that best suite their skills and abilities. This variety assist the employees to maximise their potential and productivity and creates a genuine job satisfaction for the individuals.

Chrysaor Studios is Australia's first social enterprise film studio, a 2,100m² facility on the Gold Coast. We provide state-of-the-art virtual production and sound stages to empower a more... Read more