Australia needs social enterprises now more than ever
The Covid-19 pandemic has placed inter-connectedness on the agenda forever in all parts of our lives – and social enterprises have a critical role to play in what is not just a disrupted economy but a continuously disrupted world.
Bryce Ives, Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications at Torrens University Australia, who is a major partner in the upcoming Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) 2022, is calling on social enterprises to step into the limelight and for all entrepreneurs to consider how they can address the social, environmental, and sustainability challenges being faced by communities around the world.
"We want to be the most connected university on the planet. But our quest goes beyond university and that's why we have partnered with SEWF – our compassionate response has always been to lead by example and to live and die by our values. Compassion fueled with purpose is at the heart of social enterprises," said Bryce.
Social Enterprise World Forum 2022
SEWF 2022 has the vision of 'co-creating the future', which is achieved through collaborating with various organisations to facilitate a discussion and foster an understanding of social enterprise, recognising the tireless efforts of individuals who work to create an inclusive and sustainable future for those around us.
Expose a student to social enterprises & grow the next generation of entrepreneurs
Peter Graves, Social Enterprise Hub Manager at Torrens University Australia, is a firm believer that we all have something unique to offer.
"We instill the spirit of entrepreneurship in our students by exposing them to our Social Enterprise Hub where they get the opportunity to connect with social-impact focused organisations that help them make a positive difference in the world and through embedding our Be Good ethos into the curriculum.
"It's about helping each student develop ways of expressing their uniqueness – and that's where the exposure to social enterprises is so valuable and in fact, super exciting: at SEWF for example, it's all about how we can take our own unique talents and put them into action for the greater good," said Peter.
Innovation and social impact are the key markers
"We seek to empower social entrepreneurs who are trailblazers, agitators, change-makers, and innovators. This is the time to spark a crucial conversation regarding how Australian social enterprises are redefining prosperity.
"As a university, we are trying to broaden the conversation and include as many clients or social enterprises as possible. These can be big, small, not-for-profit, charities, the collectives, and the B Corporations, which we proudly represent," said Bryce.
"We believe these organisations have a passion and compassion to make a difference in the lives of others."
Whether you are part of a social enterprise agency, policymaker, researcher, academic or just interested in the social enterprise sector join SEWF 2022 and create a more sustainable world where purpose, passion and profit sync together for the greater good.
Key Facts:
The Social Enterprise World Forum 2022 is being held now in Brisbane from 28-29 September.
Social enterprise organisations are in the spotlight in a post-pandemic era, where inter-connectedness is more important than ever.
Torrens University Australia offers a Social Enterprise Hub. Students work with social-impact focused organisations to contribute to the greater good.
