Social Enterprise Masters Conference 2015

At the Social Enterprise Masters Conference on 3rd June, Social Traders, in conjunction with the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) Swinburne, will release the first stage of Finding Australia’s Social Enterprise Sector 2015 (FASES) – a national research report which captures the challenges and opportunities for social enterprises in Australia, as seen through the eyes of social enterprises.

Look around your local neighbourhood and you’ll see that social enterprise is growing in importance and reach. There’s a growing buzz and momentum from people who want to start or grow a social enterprise – whether it’s a Not for Profit looking for sustainability and impact; rural Australians trying to find new ways of fighting economic decline; Gen Y’s that are using business to change the world or corporate refugees that want to use their vast business skills to do more than make a profit for shareholders.

While the motivations for getting into social enterprise are diverse, the common bond is using the marketplace to address a social or community cause. The motivations and interests are as diverse as the people running them.

The Finding Australia’s Social Enterprise Sector 2015 report forms a centrepiece of the national Conference, which brings together social enterprise leaders and key players in the social enterprise ecosystem, to explore what’s needed – at both a policy and practice level – for social enterprise to flourish in Australia.

FASES author Professor Jo Barraket from CSI Swinburne says: “The FASES report highlights the strong themes that were identified by social enterprises across Australia – that will be of value in informing the thinking of the field, government and advocates of social enterprise in the coming years,” she said.

While the report offers one insight into the state of play of social enterprise at a national level, the experiences of those at the coalface of social enterprise – and the demands of running a sustainable business – will also be a key part of the Conference discussion.

From social enterprise award winners, to case studies of entrepreneurs using social enterprise to transform communities in regional, regional and disadvantaged urban areas, and how to develop the right business model – the day is as much about social enterprises sharing knowledge and lessons learned, as it is about how to drive social enterprise forward at a policy level.

Social Traders Managing Director David Brookes says “The Social Enterprise Masters Conference is a real highlight of the social enterprise calendar in Australia – bringing together the people running social enterprises, with those organisations that support and invest in them.”

“These conversations are critical to the growth and emergence of a strong social enterprise community in Australia. Social enterprises don’t exist in isolation – there is a strong ecosystem that supports them, and by bringing these leaders together we’re helping to create the discussions and build the momentum of social enterprise in Australia.”

Another highlight of this year’s Conference is international guest speaker Jonathan Bland – spearhead of the social enterprise movement in the UK and the European Union, who will share his experiences and insights on what’s working in social enterprise from a global perspective, as well as what’s needed for social enterprise in Australia to reach its full potential.

Download the SE Masters Conference Program.

(http://www.socialtraders.com.au/our-services/masters-conference/)

Book tickets at www.semasters2015.eventbrite.com

Social Enterprise Masters Conference

Wednesday 3rd June, 9am – 4.30pm

Melbourne Town Hall, Cnr Swanston & Collins St, Melbourne.

For more information visit www.semasters.com.au