Social Ventures Australia (SVA) has been investing in social change in Australia since 2002, and PwC is working closely with the not-for-profit to identify new techniques for tackling social issues. Social enterprise is one way of tackling some of society’s more challenging social issues. It is a term that is increasingly used, but not always clear in meaning. Is it businesses operating in a social and responsible way, or is it charity with an entrepreneurial edge?
The UK’s Social Enterprise Coalition explains the confusion, crucially, social enterprises compete in the marketplace like any other business, but they use their business skills to achieve social aims. Whereas many voluntary organisations and community groups may be involved in some kind of trading activity for goods and services, social enterprises see trading as a significant and defining part of their business. Although some commentators like to use the term ‘non-profit’ when referring to social enterprises, this is misleading. Social enterprises aim to sustain their business and make profits - it is what they do with these profits that is different. Surpluses are principally reinvested for the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners.
Social Ventures Australia (SVA) has been developing the social enterprise model in Australia for the past few years, developing opportunities for people who often find themselves marginalised in society due to conditions such as mental health deterioration.
Brisbane’s first ever Social Enterprise Hub (Hub) is a joint venture of SVA, the Brisbane City Council and PwC. The Hub supports the growth and capacity of Brisbane’s emerging social enterprise sector. It offers services and support networks to social enterprises that provide employment and training to disadvantaged people excluded from the mainstream workforce.
The Hub’s Accelerator Program provides access to a range of skills, expertise and resources that would otherwise be unavailable or too costly for a single enterprise. This has been achieved through the establishment of several key partnerships - including corporate mentors and pro bono support - as well as strong links with product and service buyers. The goal is to help each enterprise make the successful transition from government-funded community organisation to sustainable trading entity.
SVA initiated the project as the pilot of what will be a national roll-out of Social Enterprise Hubs in each Australian state. The partnership’s ability to create an environment of support, growth, learning and engagement has made the Hub a success story.
As a business leader in the community, PwC felt it was important to be involved in the shaping and development of the emerging social enterprise sector. Our PwC mentors are constantly listening and engaging in dialogue on matters of social concern. They assist each social enterprise leader with planning, vision, financial management and operational plans to maximise the impact and efficiency of their business.
James Lye, Director of Performance Improvement Advisory in Brisbane has worked closely as a mentor to Hub participant FoodConnect. "Social enterprises exist because individuals take leadership in our community,” he said. "I am both guiding and learning from FoodConnect. I continue to discover new ways my personal and professional leadership can deliver sustainable change and transformation to their organisation.”
PwC wishes to define the role we play in society, and recognises that leadership encompasses more than business skills; it requires broader social and emotional awareness. Through the work with SVA, we are gaining a greater understanding of our nation’s current social challenges, while working towards addressing them.
