Social enterprises at the City of Whittlesea
The City of Whittlesea recognises the value and impact social enterprises can achieve in addressing social needs, strengthening communities and improving people’s life through empowerment, participation and developing individual capabilities.
Social enterprises employ innovative market solutions to achieve social impact. We appreciate the dual value creation (social and economic) which social enterprises generate and therefore recognise that this sector needs a supportive and dynamic ecosystem to support its unique mission, goals and business models.
Here at the City of Whittlesea, our aim is to build a community of locals who are keen to be in business, to incorporate practices that have social impact.
We appreciate that this sector is still relatively new to local government and therefore we embrace the opportunity to work with the sector to identify the most pertinent and relevant ways to grow the sector.
In 2018 we launched an ongoing survey to find out more about social enterprises within our community and those people interested to get involved. You can complete the survey here:
If you would like to learn more about social enterprise call the Economic Development Team on 9217 2278 or email business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Social enterprises defined
Social enterprises are commercially viable businesses existing to benefit the public and the community, rather than shareholders and owners.
Social enterprise is a descriptive term for a range of businesses prioritising social goals, rather than a legal form in itself. In the Australian context, social enterprises take on a range of organisational legal structures, making it difficult to distinguish them from other organisations. Social Traders has developed a definition based on Australia’s landmark research Finding Australia’s Social Enterprise Sector (FASES) conducted in 2010 and 2016 and benchmarked against international standards:
- The enterprise has a defined primary social purpose, environmental or other public benefit
- The enterprise derives a substantial portion of its income from trade
- The enterprise reinvests 50% or more of annual profits towards achieving the social purpose
Social enterprise resources
Victorian Government support
The Social Enterprise Network of Victoria
Social Ventures Australia
Social Trader's Social Enterprise definitions
Join Social Shifters' international network
Legal advice and education from Justice Connect
B Corporations
Social Change Central's Social Enterprise Opportunities Portal
City of Whittlesea resources
Business Support
Business events and networking opportunities.
Other Resources
.ID Community – view local area demographics to help you research industry trends and identify new social enterprise opportunities. Both community and economic profiles are available.
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